noon before
Was the doctor right in his verdict ? Did all the sisters feel that she could be spared the easiest ? That was a fierce battle Faith waged with herself in the barn , but when it was ended a determined-faced girl rose from the dusty floor , descended the old ladder , and hurried away toward the village . It was noon before she returned , and the five sisters , anxious over her unusual absence , were just sitting down to a frugal dinner of mush and milk when she entered the door , looking excited and queer , but with a happier light in her eyes than had been there for months . The minute grace was said , Peace demanded suspiciously , `` Where have you been all this time ? '' `` Drumming up trade , '' was the startling answer . `` I 've got six regular cake customers , and several who promised to buy of me when they needed anything in my line . ''