noon before
The morning broke so cool and sweet that Mistress Cory Ann had a mind to go into the town and buy meat and other things that would last for several days . Butter and meat could be put on the shelf in the well , and no fear of spoiling . After her morning 's work had been cleverly done , Sally knew she could be free for a few hours . The men had gone far afield to work , taking their dinners with them , and it would be well past noon before Mistress Cory Ann would return . Sally , from very youthful gladness of heart and joy of living , had a mind to make herself fine before going with her book to the greatly enjoyed seat in the large oak-tree . So she went to the keeping-room , and , standing before the mirror hanging on the wall , she pinned midst her mat of ruddy-gold curls clumps of white strawberry blossoms , starry dogwood blooms , and a white rose or two . Some time before this , Mistress Brace had seen in a peddler 's pack a decent piece of white lawn , and as it was the cheapest thing he had that would make a comely gown for Sunday wear , she bought it for Sally .