noon
Merry gladly told the story of her ambitious friend , and went to find him , that he might secure the order . While she was gone , Jill took up the tale , gratefully telling how kind he had been to her , how patiently he worked and waited , and how much he longed to go abroad . Fortunately the lady was rich and generous , as well as fond of art , and being pleased with the bust , and interested in the young sculptor , gave him the order when he came , and filled his soul with joy by adding , that , if it suited her when done , it should be put into marble . She lived in the city , and Ralph soon arranged his work so that he could give up his noon hour , and go to model the child ; for every penny he could earn or save now was very precious , as he still hoped to go abroad . The girls were so delighted with this good fortune , that they did not stay for the races , but went home to tell the happy news , leaving the boys to care for the cats , and enjoy the various matches to come off that day . `` I 'm so glad I tried to look pleasant when I was lying on the board while Ralph did my head , for the pleasantness got into the clay face , and that made the lady like it , '' said Jill , as she lay resting on the sofa . `` I always thought it was a dear , bright little face , but now I love and admire it more than ever , '' cried Merry , kissing it gratefully , as she remembered the help and pleasure it had given Ralph .