midday
Clerks hurried by with flat leather portfolios under their arms . Servants trotted to market , or homewards , with the end of a long golden loaf protruding from their baskets . Work-girls sped by in all directions . Omnibuses lumbered along as at midday . Before the great cafés opposite , the tables were already set out on the terrace and the awnings lowered , and white-aproned waiters stood expectant . The whole scene was bathed in the gay morning sunshine . `` It is good to be alive , Asticot , '' said my master .