noon
`` Humph ! '' returned Mrs Merton . This being an unanswerable argument , Mrs Brook smiled by way of reply , and turned a sleeve inside out , the better to get at its dilapidations . Changing the subject , she desired Gertie to go and prepare dinner , as it was approaching noon . `` What shall I prepare , mother ? '' asked Gertie , laying down her work . `` You 'd better make a hash of the remains of yesterday 's leg of mutton , dear ; it will be more quickly done than the roasting of another leg , and we ca n't spare time on cookery to-day .