noon
`` I may consider the matter . Do n't set your heart on the dog , however . He is very valuable , and Brown may not wish to part with him . '' That day , at noon , Beth and Duke were frolicing near the barn . Suddenly , without seeming cause , Duke rushed towards the house , looking crestfallen . Beth , however , soon saw why Duke had run . She beheld a man walking up the driveway towards her .