noon
The silky-gray dawn found him still dressed , lying on a chair , with his eyes fixed upon the picture , the first sight of which had been the beginning of his fevered dream . And then , suddenly recalling himself , he put out the flaring lights , bathed his throbbing temples , and went out to seek an early-opening coffee-shop . `` I must be myself to-day , '' he muttered , after the drowsy waiter had forced some breakfast upon him . `` For the three-days ' holiday begins at noon , and I shall be free then . I must do my bank business alone , and keep Einstein on the watch . '' By sheer force of habit , he had opened the damp morning -- paper thrust upon the swell customer . `` Some young fly by night , throwing his money and his life away , '' mused the experienced Celtic attendant .