midday
But as Lena came to take for granted the ease and comfort of her new life , she more and more laid aside the pose with which she had at first edified her lord , and spoke her real mind . She had fully acquired the manner and the garments of a lady . She could not see that more was needed . One gray wintry day , as they walked homeward together from a midday musicale , they passed a grimy little girl who whimpered as she clutched her small person . `` What 's the matter , girlie ? '' asked Dick , and as he stopped his wife , too , halted perforce . `` My pettitoat 's comin ' down , '' sobbed the child .