midday
She forced her open hands down very hard on the mattress of the sofa . For Richard leaned his back against the jamb of the open window , and she saw his face and all his poor figure in profile . His left hand hung straight at his side , the tips of his fingers only just not touching the floor . And again , as at midday the spectacle of his deformity worked upon her strangely . `` What of all that which I said at dinner distresses you ? '' she asked gently , with sudden solicitude . `` You showed me that I have been a wretchedly negligent host . ''