noon
The moment came when he could hold out no longer , with his teeth rattling like castanets , and his red face so hot that it was painful to the touch . Since the performance did not open until two o'clock in the afternoon , he did not as yet abandon all hope . His mother and aunt sympathized with him ; but although he rallied to a great extent from his illness , they could not give consent for him to leave the house . He partook of refreshment , and left his bed at noon . At two o'clock he was able to sit in the chair by the window , with his fever greatly abated , and an hour later he was as free from all traces of the ague as you or I . But it was then too late to go to the circus . The disappointment was a sore one , but the lad stood it like the really brave fellow he was .