midday
It was a compromise between fire and water which must cease sooner or later and might cease at any moment . Now they flew asunder as if by an explosion ; the masks fell ; they did not become enemies , but simply discovered that they _ were _ born enemies , _ i.e. _ two oppositely-disposed natures which must go , each its own way . They did not close accounts with a quarrel or useless accusations , but simply made an end without more ado . An unnatural silence prevailed at their midday meal ; sometimes in lifting dishes their hands crossed but their looks avoided each other ; now and then Fritz 's lips moved , as though he wished to say something , but his larynx remained closed . What should he say after all . There was nothing to say but what the silence expressed : `` We have nothing more in common . '' And yet there was something left after all .