noon
Uncle Titus always held the newspaper before his face , and read and ate behind its ample shelter . Aunt Ninette spoke in whispers all the while , and asked only the most necessary questions , in order not to disturb her husband . Dora said little ; and less every day , as she grew accustomed to this silent life . Even when she came home from school at noon for the short interval before the time for her sewing lessons , there was no need to caution her against noise ; for the child moved ever less and less like a living being , and grew more like a shadow day by day . Yet by nature she was a lively little maiden , and took so keen an interest in all about her , that her father often used joyfully to observe it , saying , `` That child is exactly like her dear mother ; just the same movements , the same indomitable spirit and enjoyment of life ! '' But now all this vivacity seemed extinguished . Dora was very careful never to provoke her aunt to complaints , which she dreaded exceedingly .