twelve o'clock noon
`` If there 's anything goin ' , you get it . '' `` Now clear out , all you boys , and let Pearl get her breakfast , '' said Mary . `` I have n't had a chance to speak to her yet , and I want to know how the girls are wearing their hair and how long a girl of sixteen should wear her skirts , and lots of things . '' The boys departed to make whistles with the new knives , Pearl offering a prize for the shrillest and fartherest reaching ; to be tried at twelve o'clock noon , and silence settled once more on the kitchen . `` It 's sort of too bad you came home on Saturday , Pearl , '' said her mother anxiously , as she toasted a slice of bread over the glowing wood coals . `` The boys will pester you to death today and tomorrow -- though of course I know you have no other time . '' `` I like to be pestered , ma , '' said Pearl , as she began on a generous helping of bacon and eggs .