noon
Danny sat glowering by the window ; Celia Jane was weeping unashamed , while Chris and Nora were trying not to show their disappointment . So Mother ` Larkey had not yet been able to make both ends meet -- those troublesome , refractory ends that made her life a continual round of hard work -- and there were no fifty-cent pieces for the children to buy tickets with to see the elephant jump the fence . Jerry hugged himself just to feel the half-dollar in his blouse pocket and a glow of exultation ran over his body at the thought that he was going to get to see the circus . Mrs. Mullarkey , looking tired and worn , was ripping apart the dress for Mrs. Green that she had just finished at noon . Baby Kathleen sat at her feet , playing with the old rag doll that had once been Nora 's and was now claimed by Celia Jane . Jerry entered the room slowly and took a seat on the chair without a back . He said nothing at all and finally Mother ` Larkey looked up at him .