noon
He sat down at the table , thin legs curled round the rungs of the kitchen chair , clean elbows on the restored oilcloth , a big fist propping each cheek ; and presently found himself listening , waiting , his eyes on the hall door . At every noise , he gave a start , and hope added its shine to that other shine which soap had left on his face . And so the long morning passed . Shortly after noon , he carried dinner in to Big Tom , and took away the breakfast dishes . Grandpa went as far as the door with him , and opened grave , baby eyes at sight of his prostrate son . `` Oh , Tommie sick ! '' he whispered , frightened .