noon
he exclaimed with delight . His shoes were polished until they were resplendent , but they lost much of their glory during subsequent practising of steps before the mirror . He even brushed and cleaned his old clothes , for he foresaw the pain of laying aside the raiment of Solomon for dingy every-day garments . Toward noon he went down-stairs to continue his zealous efforts in the kitchen . This met with Aunt Melvy 's instant disapproval . `` For mercy sake , git out ob my way ! '' she cried , as she squeezed past the ironing-board to get to the stove .