noon
Oh why was he not a Christian ? And when Mrs. Wilson crept into her daughter 's room that night , to get an extra comfort from the closet , to put over the little boy 's crib , she was much surprised to see a big tear , that glistened in the light of the lamp , roll from beneath the dark lashes , as her eldest child lay sobbing in her sleep . The next morning the girl was strangely silent and went about her work without the usual cheery whistle -- for Clara would whistle ; it was her only musical accomplishment . But toward noon , after arousing from a prolonged spell of silent staring into the fire , during which her mother tried in vain to draw her into conversation , she suddenly became her own bright self again , and went about getting dinner in her usual manner . Then when the dishes were washed , she appeared in her street dress and hat . `` Land sakes alive , child , you aint going out to-day , be you ? '' said Mrs. Wilson , her hands on her hips , in her usual attitude of amazement or wrath .