noon
Do n't cry for things that little girl has , because , my dear , it is wicked . '' `` A happier home than poor Linda Chase ! '' Patty was amazed , and did not know what her mother meant ; but when she got to school there was Linda in a dimity loose-gown , and Linda said , -- '' _ My _ mother wants you to come and stay all night with me , if _ your _ mother 's willing . '' So Patty went home at noon to ask . Mrs. Lyman never liked to have Patty gone over night ; but the child pleaded so hard that she gave her consent , only Patty must take her knitting-work , and mus n't ask to wear her Sunday clothes . When she went home with Linda she found Mrs. Chase sitting by the parlor window very grandly dressed . She kissed Patty , without once looking at Patty 's gingham loose-gown ; but her eyes were quite red , as if she had been crying .