noon
`` I suppose I did find a good deal of fault , '' Gifford admitted , humbly , `` but it was always because I loved you . '' `` Oh ! '' said Lois . But there was so much to say they might have talked until noon , except that , as they had neither of them breakfasted , and happiness and morning air are the best sort of tonics , they began to think of going to the rectory . Gifford had quite forgotten the business in Mercer which needed him so early . `` Father wo n't have mushrooms with his steak to-day , '' Lois commented , looking ruefully at the little basket , which she still held in her hand . They stopped at the roadside , walking hand in hand like two children , and looked back at the ruin .