morning, noon
she asked , in a voice that was hardly louder than a whisper . `` I never knew ; I never knew , '' protested Miss Saidie , going back to her chair beside the hearth . `` Brother Bill and he hate each other worse than death , and it was Will 's fancy for Mr. Christopher that brought on this awful trouble . For a time , I declare it looked as if the boy was really bewitched , and they were together morning , noon , and night . Your grandpa never got over it , and I believe he blames Mr. Christopher for every last thing that 's happened -- Molly Peterkin and all . '' `` Molly Peterkin ? '' repeated Maria inquiringly .