noon
help us ! '' It was nearly dinner-time in the Hedden cottage . Farmer Hedden sat in the doorway , equipped in his hunting dress -- for he usually spent Saturday afternoons in the forest ; and it was only at his wife 's solicitation that he had consented to wait and `` take a bite of dinner '' before starting , Every now and then he raised his head from the almanac , over which he was bending , to listen to the whirr of his wife 's spinning-wheel , and her merry song issuing from the cottage , or to cast an impatient glance in the direction of the streamlet . Within , all was neatness and cheerfulness ; the clean deal table was arranged with its row of yellow platters and shining pewter-mugs -- even the stools were standing round it , ready for the hungry household that usually assembled at noon , eager for dinner . `` Father 's '' and `` mother 's '' places were at either end of the table ; Rudolph 's and Kitty 's at one side -LRB- Kitty had a high chair made by `` father '' out of young oak branches -RRB- ; Bessie 's opposite ; and , beside hers , the prettiest plate ; and the brightest mug for Big Tom -- for , of course , he must be asked to stay . Everything was ready . Far back in the open fireplace the fagots were blazing and snapping .