midday
`` Why , dear me ! '' Aunt Abigail smiled upon the circle of interested faces . `` I have n't the slightest idea , but I was sure that if _ any _ battle of the Revolution was the least bit like a weather-cock , one of you smart young folks would find it out . '' After this auspicious beginning , the cheeriness of the midday meal was in pleasing contrast to the gloom of breakfast . Even Amy forgot to mourn over missing the three-legged race , and Ruth , who , under Graham 's tutelage , had become an ardent devotee of baseball , was reconciled to her failure to witness the unique contest between the Fats and the Leans . The morning had passed so rapidly , and so pleasantly on the whole , that every one was inclined to be hopeful regarding the remainder of the day , and to wait with tranquillity the further unfoldment of Peggy 's plans . When dinner was over , the dining-room in order , and the last shining dish replaced on the cupboard shelves , expectant eyes turned in Peggy 's direction , as if to ask `` What next ? ''