midday
Now and then she stopped to look critically at the heavily-laden branches . Mr. William Butler , her uncle , owned a fruit farm , consequently the girl was interested in their autumn and winter crop of apples . At the gate of the orchard she paused to peep at her book for another stolen moment and came face to face with her cousin . Although it was not yet midday , Eleanor Butler had on a white company frock and her hair had been freshly braided . Madge did not see her cousin at first . Nellie eyed her sympathetically , but at the same time her face wore an expression of disapproval . `` Where have you been , Madge ? ''