noon
They were going to meet the birds corning up from the south and teach them their songs as they flew . They came to say good-by to the children . `` Look for us next winter , '' they called back , as they fluttered off in a silvery cloud . And finally , at high noon , just as Ivra had known she would since early morning , Helma came , -- running through the forest , jumping the hedge , and gathering Ivra and Eric into her arms . They three knelt on the ground by the spring flowers embracing each other for a long , long minute . `` Did you find the key to that gate ? '' Eric asked when his breath came back , `` Or did they let you come at last . ''