noon
`` You know it would be such a disgraceful thing to have an uncarpeted floor in the city . '' The last remark was in tones slightly ironical , and showed that Marguerite Verne held views not in accordance with good form and fearlessly regarded the consequence . `` Of course , mother would not have a carpeted chamber in the summer season , and now , I really like it , but I fear that some of our guests are very often surprised . '' It being past the noon dinner-hour a luncheon was prepared and the girls were interrupted by the indefatigable Hal knocking lustily on the chamber door . `` Really , Jennie , I would rather sit here than eat , '' said Marguerite , going to the mirror to re-arrange the mass of silken hair that crowned her prettily shaped head . `` I am going to take Cousin Marguerite down to luncheon , '' cried a voice from without . This set both girls in a fit of laughter .