July noon
But a tiny bell sounded . Breakfast was announced , and they went back into the house . The repast was a silent one . A heavy July noon overwhelmed the earth , and oppressed humanity . The heat seemed thick , and paralyzed both mind and body . The sluggish words would not leave the lips , and all motion seemed laborious , as if the air had become a resisting medium , difficult to traverse . Only Yvette , although silent , seemed animated and nervous with impatience .