noon
Some merry voices at the door put an end to the conversation , and the school was soon going on in its usual routine . Many weather-wise mothers had kept their children at home , and only eight scholars were in their places , not counting Nils , who occupied in many practical things a middle ground between the little ones and the teacher . A heavy rain soon began to fall , and pattered cheerily on the roof , to the great delight of the small pupils . Towards noon the schoolmistress was hearing the class read aloud . She sat with her back to the windows , with the light falling on the book she held in her hand ; but she did not see a letter . Suddenly she looked up and said , `` Nils , please open the right-hand shutter in my room . '' The boy obeyed instantly ; but in another moment he said quickly , `` Please come in here a moment , teacher . ''