noon
All the forenoon the little white parcel lay on the floor at my feet . As often as I looked at it , I seemed to see Nat 's pictures dancing on the surface . I had given five dollars for the box ; I trembled to think what a sum that was for us to spend on an uncertainty ; but I had small doubt . At noon I ran home ; I ate little dinner -- Nat would not touch a mouthful . ` You must see the pansies and ferns done before you go , ' he said . `` And before my hour was up they were so nearly done that I danced around Nat 's chair with delight . '' ` I know Mr. Wilkins never saw anything so pretty in his life , ' said Nat , calmly .