midday
Her realization came with a swiftness that would have been impossible in those old days of discontent . `` Why , Zip , '' she cried , starting to her feet and coming quickly towards him , `` what -- what 's the matter ? What 's wrong ? '' But the little man only shook his head dazedly , and his eyes wandered from her face to the two silently staring children , and then to the table so carefully laid for the midday meal . `` Here , sit down , '' Jessie hurried on , darting towards a chair and setting it for him beside the stove . `` You 're sick , sure , '' she declared , peering into his pale face , as he silently , almost helplessly , obeyed her . `` It 's the sun , '' she went on .