noon
As her presence was not required in the chamber , Katy went down-stairs to what she called the candy room . She had an hour or two to spare , and she put on the kettle with the intention of making a part of the next day 's candy . She was nearly worn out by watching and anxiety , and not fit to perform such hard work ; but weak and weary as she felt , her spirit was still earnest , and she resolutely commenced her labors . At noon she had made half the quantity required . Mrs. Howard was then obliged to go home , and attend to her own family , for she had two children besides Tommy , who had not yet returned from the East Indies . Mrs. Redburn was very restless during the afternoon , and could not be left alone for more than a short time at once . Mrs. Howard had promised to come again in the evening , and make the rest of the candy ; but Charley came home from school quite sick , seemingly threatened with the scarlet fever , so that she could not keep her promise .