nearly noon
`` And I can live close to Aunt Dorrie 's beautiful life even if I am not of it . And I _ am _ sure of myself as dear Nancy never could be -- because I have proved myself in ways that girls like Nancy never can . '' Toward morning Joan fell asleep . When she awoke it was nearly noon time and half the desert of Sunday was passed . Then Joan , refreshed and comforted , planned a wholesome afternoon and evening . `` I 'll go out and get a really sensible dinner ; take a walk in the Park , and come home and practise . Monday will be here before I know it . ''