noon
Two cows belonging to the families of these two women were found in the meadow , and driven into the yard . The foreman demanded from the women 30 copecks for each cow or two days ' work . The women , however , maintained that the cows had got into the meadow of their own accord ; that they had no money , and asked that the cows , which had stood in the blazing sun since morning without food , piteously lowing , should be returned to them , even if it had to be on the understanding that the price should be worked off later on . `` How often have I not begged of you , '' said the smiling foreman , looking back at Nekhludoff as if calling upon him to be a witness , `` if you drive your cattle home at noon , that you should have an eye on them ? '' `` I only ran to my little one for a bit , and they got away . '' `` Do n't run away when you have undertaken to watch the cows . '' `` And who 's to feed the little one ?