noon
With no work to do , alone except for her sister , the elder girl had ample time to worry . Marylyn saw that she was dispirited , and increased in tenderness toward her , following her about with eyes that entreated , yet were not sad . At breakfast she spitted the choicest cuts for Dallas . In the noon heat , she was at her elbow with a dipper of ginger-beer . And supper coaxed the elder girl 's failing appetite by offerings of tasty stew , white flour dumplings and pone . As for herself , Marylyn needed neither urging nor tidbits . She ate heartily .