midday
Much to Hare 's disappointment Mescal did not appear ; the homecoming was not joyful to him because it lacked her welcoming smile . Christmas Day ushered in the short desert winter ; ice formed in the ditches and snow fell , but neither long resisted the reflection of the sun from the walls . The early morning hours were devoted to religious services . At midday dinner was served in the big room of August Naab 's cabin . At one end was a stone fireplace where logs blazed and crackled . In all his days Hare had never seen such a bountiful board . Yet he was unable to appreciate it , to share in the general thanksgiving .