noon
Good-bye ! '' The forester 's wife now prepared breakfast for her husband and herself . The blazing fire upon the hearth was doing its duty in bringing the boys ' clothing to the state desired while they were sleeping the sleep of tired boyhood . They did not waken until near noon , but this would allow them to reach home before night ; and they enjoyed their first meal of the day , arrayed in their dry and neatly-brushed garments , and refreshed by bathing their hands , faces and feet in the brook . The day was bright and delightfully cool after the rain , and in fine spirits they bade the forest-keeper 's wife good-bye as they set out for home . `` Their parents will be rejoiced to see them , '' she said to herself as she watched them out of sight , `` for no doubt they have felt somewhat anxious about them , for they are young to be allowed to take a journey . How helpless are our children !