noon
Have n't you enough without selling her into Egypt , too ? Have n't you enough money now ? '' And without waiting for answer , Molly Brownwell turned and left him staring into nothing , with his jaw agape . It was noon and a band was playing up the street , and as he stood by the stove in McHurdie 's shop , he remembered vaguely that he had seen banners flying and some `` Welcome '' arches across the street as he walked through the town that morning . He realized that some lodge or conclave or assembly was gathering in the town , and that the band was a part of its merriment . It was playing a gay tune and came nearer and nearer . But as he stood leaning upon his chair , with his heart quivering and raw from its punishment , he did not notice that the band had stopped in front of the harness shop .