noon
`` I do n't know whether I suppose so or not , '' laughed Jessie . `` But I think if I ever see that child again I shall question her more closely . '' She said this without the first idea that little Henrietta would cross their way almost at once . The canoe touched the grassy bank at the edge of the old Carter place at the far end of the lake just before noon . An end of the old house had been burned several years before , but the kitchen ell was still standing , with chimney complete . Picnic parties often used the ruin of the old house in which to sup . It was a shelter , at least .