noon
Mrs. Monroe thought supper should be served at half-past ten . Martie groaned . Oh , they could n't serve supper until almost midnight , she protested . Dinner was at noon on Thanksgiving Day , and the Monroes , sated and overwarm , were sitting about the fire when Rodney Parker and his friend , Alvah Brigham , came to take Martie and Sally walking . The girls were sewing at the endless roses ; but they jumped up in a flutter , and ran for hats and sweaters . They did not exchange a word , nor lose a second , while they were upstairs , running down again immediately to end the uncomfortable silence that held the group about the fire . It was a cold , bleak day , and the pure air was delicious to Martie 's hot cheeks after the close house .