midday
Her dearest friends , her own brother were prodigies of inconsiderateness . With an effort she kept back the burning tears of self pity , and tottered down the stairs , prepared to endure the martyrdom of a long walk under the July sun . `` Ruth , '' called Peggy from the pantry , `` just help me with these sandwiches , will you ? '' They were coming home for the midday meal , but Peggy had determined to carry along a few sandwiches , as country-grown appetites seemed independent of the limitations of those appetites with which she was best acquainted . Ruth rose to obey . But her indisposition was becoming more than a match for her will . She was half way across the room , when she halted , swayed , and crumpled up in a little helpless heap .