noon
`` That 's because I 'm rich , '' returned Agnes cheerfully . `` For once in my life I have a multitude of clothes , '' and she started off , cheerfully whistling and swinging her skates . Ruth had almost to run to catch up with her before she struck across into the Parade . The weather had moderated that day , and at noon the gutters were flooded and the paths ran full streams . The boys , however , had pronounced the ice in the snow castle to be in fine shape . `` Perhaps this will be the last night we can skate there , '' Ruth said as they tramped along the Parade walk , side by side . `` Oh , I hope not ! ''