noon
It was a curiosity to Blanch , for never in her life had she seen one of those old-time landmarks , now so rare . That afternoon they drove to the mountain 's top and saw the sunset , only to be late home to Aunt Susan 's tea biscuit and cold chicken , and having a surprising appetite . The next day they made a picnic trip to another mountain , leaving the horse half way up and walking the rest of the way . At noon they returned , and beside a cold spring that bubbled beneath a rock they opened their lunch baskets . Then they picked flowers , hunted for wintergreen , and decked the horse and wagon with ferns and wreaths of laurel , -- only simple country pleasures , it is true , but they at least had the charm of newness for two of the party . That evening they sang all sorts of songs , from gospel hymns to comic operas , and Blanch showed in so many ways that she admired her new-found friend that there was no further restraint . `` I wish you would stay with me until my school begins , Blanch , '' said Alice at the close of the evening .