noon
Her parents could not aid her , and she had resolved not to accept further assistance from her generous brother . At first she could not believe what George told her , but when the reality of her good fortune dawned upon her , taking George 's hand in both of hers , she pressed it to her lips and fell upon his shoulder , her eyes flooding with tears . `` Well , May , '' said George , as he kissed her , `` can you get ready by noon tomorrow ? '' `` Ready by noon ? Ready by daylight , George , if necessary . '' That night was a busy , happy time for the Ingrams . So much of ill-luck had come to the father , and so much of household drudging to the faithful mother , that work and sacrifice for the children had ploughed deep furrows across the faces of both Mr. and Mrs. Ingram .