noon
`` The houses are empty , the old mill is silent , the streets are overgrown ; in fact , it 's nothing but a picturesque ruin of a once busy hamlet . '' `` They say it 's a lovely drive , '' said Nan . `` I 've always wanted to go there . '' `` The boys will be down by noon , '' said Mr. Elliott , `` and we can get off soon after luncheon . Do you suppose , Fred , we can get conveyances enough for our large and flourishing family ? '' `` We can try , '' said Mr. Fairfield . `` I 'll go over to the stables now and see what I can secure . ''