noon
The deacon had a very large bump of inquisitiveness on his bald head , which , perhaps , accounted for his great desire to know why nearly all the boys and girls had stopped beside the tiny brook that scolded and fretted all the long summer days away , but which was now closely encased in ice , and why they were apparently holding a very animated discussion , despite the intensely cold weather . But the deacon 's bump of inquisitiveness was counterbalanced by one representing dignity , and he thought that it would be hardly the proper thing for a deacon and a school-teacher to be seen running through the snow with a skull-cap and dressing-gown on ; therefore he watched his pupils from the window , but without being able to satisfy his curiosity in the slightest degree . The girls and boys were indeed in a high state of excitement . On the noon of that same day , Agnes Morrell had , under injunctions of strictest secrecy , told Maria Gilman and Annie Rich of a certain plan which she had developed in her own mind . In some unaccountable way it had been whispered around until , before recess was over , nearly everyone , excepting Deacon Littlefield , knew that Aggie proposed giving what she called '' a necktie party . '' There were but two others who knew what kind of a party this could be , and they were Maria and Annie ; therefore it is not to be wondered at that she was almost overwhelmed by questions from the other girls , even before she was fairly out of the schoolhouse . As a matter of fact , the boys were equally interested ; but Si Kelly had said to his particular friends , `` Now , do n't let on that we care a cent about the party , whatever it is ; '' and , acting under what was both advice and a command , none of the boys had condescended to ask any questions , although they took good care to be near Aggie when she finally explained the purpose of the party .