noon
The car descended briskly to the ground floor , from which point the operator was privileged to watch the progress of the temperamental Mr. Devon , who had plunged through the main entrance of the building and across the square without a word to the hall attendants , or a backward glance . As he reached the studio building Laurie recalled himself to a memory of the conventions . He entered without undue haste , and sought the door of the waiting lift . It was noon , and an operator he had not seen before was on duty . `` Top floor , '' directed Laurie , and stepped into the car . The operator hesitated . He did not remember this tenant , but he must belong to the house , as he wore no hat or coat .