midday
said Mangan , blushing furiously , and looking as sheepish as a caught school-boy . `` I mean if I could say to him , ` Look ! here is Miss Ross , perfectly safe and well , ' that would pacify him . '' `` And if you are fatigued after your journey , '' said Dr. Moore , who was a firm believer in the fine , old-fashioned fortifying theory , `` we shall be having our midday meal by and by , in a room up-stairs , and I 'm sure we 'll make you heartily welcome . '' `` And I think , my dear , '' said the mother , rising from her chair and taking the girl kindly by the hand , `` that if you and I and Francie were to go up there now we should be more out of the way ; and there would be no chance of our talking being heard . '' It was at this plain but substantial midday meal , served in an up-stairs room , that Nina incidentally told them something of her adventures and experiences during the past six months , though , of course , nothing was said about her reasons for leaving London . Maurice happened to inquire where it was that she had heard of Lionel 's illness .