midday
Droop scarce took his eyes from his book . Phoebe spent part of the time deep in the Baconian work and part of the time contemplating the monotonous landscape . Rebecca was dreaming of her future past -- or her past future , while her knitting grew steadily upon its needles . The midday meal was duly prepared and disposed of , and , as the afternoon wore away , the three travellers began to examine the date indicator and to ask themselves surreptitiously whether or not they actually felt any younger . They took sly peeps at each other 's faces to observe , if possible , any signs of returning youth . By supper-time there was certainly a less aged air about each of the three and the elders inwardly congratulated themselves upon the unmistakable effects of another twelve hours . Not long after the supper dishes had been washed , Rebecca took Phoebe aside and said : `` Phoebe , it seems to me you 'd ought to be goin ' to bed right soon , now .