noon
People turned to look at the funny group and smiled good-naturedly as they passed , and one man , a little more amused than the rest , shouted after them , `` Where you goin ' , sis , with that orphan 's home ? '' But Patsy Ann 's dignity was impregnable . She walked on with her head in the air , the desire for safety tugging at her heart . The hours passed and the gentle coolness of morning turned into the fierce heat of noon , and still with frequent rests they trudged on , Patsy ever and anon using her divining hand , unconscious that she was doubling and redoubling on her tracks . When the whistles blew for twelve she got her little brood into the shade of a poplar tree and set them down to the lunch which , thoughtful little mother that she was , she had brought with her . After that they all stretched themselves out on the grass that bordered the sidewalk , for all the children were tired out , and baby John was both sleepy and cross . Even Patsy Ann drowsed and finally dropped into the deep slumber of childhood .