noon
She tried it again , with so angry a jar that the bell tinkled angrily back at her . `` The deuce take Old Maid Pyncheon ! '' muttered the irascible housewife . `` Think of her pretending to set up a cent-shop , and then lying abed till noon ! These are what she calls gentlefolk 's airs , I suppose ! But I 'll either start her ladyship , or break the door down ! '' She shook it accordingly , and the bell , having a spiteful little temper of its own , rang obstreperously , making its remonstrances heard , -- not , indeed , by the ears for which they were intended , -- but by a good lady on the opposite side of the street .