noon
Alessandro walked up and down between the kitchen and the shed . He could hear the sounds of rattling dishes , jingling spoons , frying , pouring water . Savory smells began to be wafted out . Evidently old Marda meant to atone for the shortcoming of the noon . Juan Can , in his bed , also heard and smelled what was going on . `` May the fiends get me , '' he growled , `` if that wasteful old hussy is n't getting up a feast for those beasts of Indians ! There 's mutton and onions , and peppers stewing , and potatoes , I 'll be bound , and God knows what else , for beggars that are only too thankful to get a handful of roasted wheat or a bowl of acorn porridge at home .