noon before
It seemed to the girl that every foot of ground held a red coat . When she at length arrived at the place it was to find Nurse Johnson out . She would soon be back , she was told , so the girl sat down to wait for her . Finally the good woman made her appearance , but there was so much to tell that it was high noon before the visit was ended . `` I shall miss the ride , '' mused Peggy passing quickly through the tiny orchard to the gate which opened on Palace Street . `` I hope that my cousins wo n't wait for me , or that they will not be annoyed . Why , John ! ''