Twelve o'clock
Poor Paul ! his back ached dreadfully , for he had never before done any harder work than trifling services for his father . But the inexorable Mr. Mudge was in sight , and however much he wished , he did not dare to lay aside his hoe even for a moment . Twelve o'clock found him standing beside the dinner-table . He ate more heartily than before , for his forenoon 's labor made even poorhouse fare palatable . Mrs. Mudge observed the change , and remarked in a satisfied tone . `` Well , my fine gentleman , I see you are coming to your appetite .