noon
`` Well , yes , '' answered the foremost youth , advancing toward him . `` We 've got a husking frolic on hand , and are all ready for dancing ; but there is n't a fiddle within ten miles , nor any one to play it if there was . We might have got along with the girls singing well enough , I suppose , but the sight of this fiddle-case has set us all agoing for a little music . '' `` Oh , '' said the youth , with a smile , `` it 's my violin you wish to have ; but I am very tired ; for I 've travelled since noon , and your stages are wearisome over the mountains . '' `` It 's of no use asking you to play for us then , I suppose ? '' said the young farmer , in a disappointed tone . The youth shook his head , but very gently , as one who refuses against his will ; and this gave his petitioner a gleam of hope .