noon
Ellen was in no mind to give credit to all her aunt 's opinions , and she set this down as in part at least coming from ill-humour . The next morning was calm and fine , and Ellen spent nearly the whole of it out of doors . She did not venture near the ditch , but in every other direction she explored the ground , and examined what stood or grew upon it as thoroughly as she dared . Towards noon she was standing by the little gate at the back of the house , unwilling to go in , but not knowing what more to do , when Mr. Van Brunt came from the lane with a load of wood . Ellen watched the oxen toiling up the ascent , and thought it looked like very hard work ; she was sorry for them . `` Is n't that a very heavy load ? '' she asked of their driver , as he was throwing it down under the apple-tree .