noon
The tree-trunks , black , with bare branches , were lined against the gray sky ; nevertheless , spring had been on the way for a week , and a few sunny days would bring the yearly miracle for which all hearts were longing . Ivory was season-wise and his quick eye had caught many a sign as he walked through the woods from his schoolhouse . A new and different color haunted the tree-tops , and one had only to look closely at the elm buds to see that they were beginning to swell . Some fat robins had been sunning about in the school-yard at noon , and sparrows had been chirping and twittering on the fence-rails . Yes , the winter was over , and Ivory was glad , for it had meant no coasting and skating and sleighing for him , but long walks in deep snow or slush ; long evenings , good for study , but short days , and greater loneliness for his mother . He could see her now as he neared the house , standing in the open doorway , her hand shading her eyes , watching , always watching , for some one who never came . `` Spring is on the way , mother , but it is n't here yet , so do n't stand there in the rain , '' he called .