about noon
`` It is just lovely to have such a higgledy-piggledy day , '' Ruby exclaimed with a rapturous sigh of delight . There was a rehearsal in the morning , to make sure that all the girls were ready for the evening 's entertainment ; and some of the girls who were not quite perfect in their pieces of music or their recitations , had to study and practise a little while ; but beyond that , there was nothing but the most delightful chaos of packing trunks , laying out dresses , and talking over plans for the next day . Every little while some one would ring the bell , and the girls would rush to see which happy girl was greeting her father or mother . Ruby 's father came about noon , and she was very much surprised , for she had not expected him until afternoon , on the same train in which she had come . When she heard there was a gentleman downstairs to see Miss Ruby Harper , she rushed downstairs so fast that she nearly tumbled down , and ran into the parlor , quite sure that she would find her father 's arms waiting to clasp her . For a moment she did not see any one else , and she fairly cried , very much to her surprise , she was so glad to see her dear father and feel herself nestled in his arms . Then some one said , -- `` Do n't you see me , Ruby ? ''