noon
I had had some experience with boats on the upper Missouri , and had some taste for them , though I had never even been in a sail-boat . I hoped Mr. Whippleton would take it into his head to invite me some time to sail with him . I went to dinner with the image of the boat 's sharp bow and graceful lines lingering in my mind . The beef was no tougher at noon than it was in the morning , and I think Mrs. Whippleton was convinced that I was not a profitable boarder at four dollars a week . But I do not intend to weary my reader by giving the monotonous details of my daily experience at the desk . I discharged my duties faithfully , and to the entire satisfaction of Mr. Whippleton . On the second day , I saw Mr. Collingsby , senior .