noon
The boys afterward said that it paid grandly to give the cook the national kiss , as from that day forward she was ever pleased to prepare them the best dishes she could . `` I say , Frank and Alec , '' mischievously exclaimed Wenonah , `` do n't you know they keep Oo-che-me-ke-se-gou over at the mission ? '' This sally very much amused all , and of course gave Sam a chance to remark that it was an elegant day for a sleigh ride ; that he thought Frank and Alec 's dogs needed some exercise ; that the road to the mission was in capital condition , and perhaps they had better be off , and the sooner the better , for fear the young ladies should wear the glass of the windows thin , looking for their coming . Mrs Ross here interposed , and stopped Sam 's voluble utterances by saying that they were all going over a little after noon , in response to a very cordial invitation from Mr and Mrs Hurlburt , to witness the Indian feast and dine with them in the church . This was great news to all , and as there were only a couple of hours for preparation there was hurrying in every direction . `` Put on your best bibs and tuckers , my hearties , '' said Sam to Frank and Alec , `` for this day is the event of your lives . Rig yourselves up so gallantly and finely that the sweet , blushing lassies over beyond , will be so struck with your noble presences that they will , for the day at least , imagine themselves Indian maidens enough to at least comply with the customs of the day . ''