noon
The next morning , by breakfast-time , a peep into the mug would show whether the little `` eyes '' had begun to open in the mixture or not . Here was where housewifely skill came in . Those eyes must be opened just so wide , and there must be just so many of them , or else it was not safe to proceed . It might be better to throw the setting away and start new , or else to let it stand till noon . Gram knew as soon as she had looked at it . If the omens were favorable , a cup of warm water and a variable quantity of carefully warmed flour were added , and a batter made of about the consistency for fritters . This was set up behind the funnel again , to rise till noon .