noon
And when Dave came in , about half-past eleven , the boy found him part way into a clean white shirt , with the cat and the kitten eying him resentfully , and received the order : `` Get a move on you ; we 're going to the Grahams ' for dinner . See that you scrub your face , too -- and ears ! '' Which left Dave quite as indignant as the cat , for he always washed his ears . They arrived at the Graham ranch house shortly after noon , where wreaths of holly , strings of evergreen , and red paper bells created a Christmas atmosphere . Coming from their cold ride into these cheerful rooms and to a warm welcome , the hearts of both man and boy glowed with unaccustomed feeling . And throughout the dinner that followed betimes -- during which Mr. Graham 's pleasantries and Louise 's gay spirits and mirth evoked in Lee a blitheness to which he long had been a stranger and in Dave a state of joyous bliss -- they luxuriated in halcyon well-being . After the meal Louise , at her father 's suggestion , went to the piano and sang while the men were smoking their cigars .