noon
Very thankful was Gwen when later , she found herself safe on the deck , the rough tub bobbing away across the waves , while the fishermen listened to her story of the trick that Max had played . `` If that boy was mine I know what he 'd get , for doing a mean trick like that ! '' said one man , to which another responded : `` And I 'd be glad ter help ye give it ter him . '' One would have thought that Mrs. Harcourt might have been anxious because of Gwen 's long absence , and her non-appearance at the noon meal , but such was not the case . Some one at the table spoke of Gwen , asking if she were ill . `` Oh , dear no ! '' Mrs. Harcourt said , with a light laugh ; `` Gwen is never ill , but she is so very popular that when she does not appear at meal time , I know that someone has urged her to lunch at her home .