noon
It was on one such occasion that the incident occurred which struck me as the culminating point of Bell 's recollections . I can not give it as dramatically as she did , and if I attempted to do so the pathos would be marred by the broad Doric -- unintelligible to southrons -- in which her narrative was told ; but I will reproduce it as faithfully as possible in my own words . It was the `` peat-casting '' for the priest ; every one had worked with a will -- young and old . Dinner had been sent up to the moss at noon by the various housewives of the district . It was a sumptuous repast , as usual on so great an occasion ; chickens , oatcake , scones , cheese , and abundance of milk had been thoroughly enjoyed by the workers . The children -- bearers of the dainties from their respective mothers -- though bashful in responding to the fatherly greetings of the old priest , were yet secretly proud of the honor of his special notice . Shyly they stood about in groups , watching for a time the resumed labors of fathers and brothers , until afternoon was wearing away , and it was time to betake themselves home to make ready for the still more important event of the day .