twelve o'clock
Reuben Gray , who had come up to assist the judge , receive his final orders , and see him off , waited outside with his light wagon to take Ishmael and his luggage home to Woodside . Reuben helped Ishmael to transfer his books , clothing , etc. , to the little wagon . And then Ishmael , after having taken leave of Aunt Katie , and left a small present in her hand , jumped into his seat and was driven off by Reuben . The arrangement at Tanglewood had occupied nearly the whole of the short winter forenoon , so that it was twelve o'clock meridian when they reached Woodside . They found a very comfortable sitting room awaiting them . Reuben in the pride of paternity had refurnished it . There was a warm red carpet on the floor ; warm red curtains at the windows ; a bright fire burning in the fireplace ; a neat dinner-table set out , and , best of all , Hannah seated in a low rocking chair , with one rosy babe on her lap and another in the soft , white cradle bed by her side .