noon
`` But why wo n't you come in ? '' politely asked the other . `` I have my reasons , '' replied Colline . `` There is a barmaid in that establishment who is very much addicted to the exact sciences , and I could not help having a long discussion with her , to avoid which I never pass through this street at noon , or any other time of day . To tell you the truth , '' added he innocently , `` I once lived with Marcel in this neighborhood . '' `` Still I should be very glad to offer you a glass of punch , and have a few minutes ' talk with you . Is there no other place in the vicinity where you could step in without being hindered by any mathematical difficulties ? ''