noon
`` She and Justin know they 're beaten -- they 're just trying to patch it up before it 's too late -- I do n't care -- I wo n't have her think she can get away with any such scheme -- ! '' And so muttering and scolding , Alix got back to her dog and her barnyard , and soothed herself with great hosing and cleaning of the duck-pond , and much skimming and tasting of Kow 's preserves . After all , she had grudged this perfect summer day to the city , and she was always happiest here , in the solitude of the high mountain . Meanwhile , Cherry , in the sick flutter of spirits that had become familiar to her of late , kept her dentist appointment , and at noon looked at a flushed and lovely vision of herself in the dentist 's mirror . `` Doctor has given me red lips ! '' said Cherry , trembling , and trying to smile to the nurse in attendance . `` I guess the good Lord gave you your looks , '' Miss Maloney said generously .