noon
As he passed the First National Bank he saw the constable talking to the cashier . Father Murray was sitting in his favorite chair on the rectory veranda when Mark came up the lawn . He rose with a welcome . `` You must pardon me , Father , '' began Mark , `` for coming so soon after your noon meal -- '' Mark hesitated about saying `` luncheon , '' not knowing the habits of the rectory -- `` but , frankly , I wanted to talk to you before -- '' `` Before we go to Killimaga , '' supplied Father Murray as Mark paused . `` Yes , I know that you are invited . Sit down and open up . I am always glad to talk -- and to listen , too .