noon
She had sat up several times in bed , and had begun to talk of wrappers and slippers . She ate toast , eggs , and jellies , and hinted at chicken and beefsteak . She was weak , to be sure , but behind her , supporting and encouraging , there seemed to be a curious strength -- a strength that sent a determined gleam to her eyes , and a grim tenseness to her lips . At noon the sun came out , and the wind died into fitful gusts . The two men attacked the drifts with a will , and made a path to the gate . They even attempted to break out the road , and Herrick harnessed his horse and started for home ; but he had not gone ten rods before he was forced to turn back . '' ' T ai n't no use , '' he grumbled .