noon
The Cardinal said very little to Percy when they met again that evening , beyond congratulating him on the way he had borne himself with the Pope . It seemed that the priest had done right by his extreme frankness . Then he told him of his duties . Percy was to retain the couple of rooms that had been put at his disposal ; he was to say mass , as a rule , in the Cardinal 's oratory ; and after that , at nine , he was to present himself for instructions : he was to dine at noon with the Cardinal , after which he was to consider himself at liberty till _ Ave Maria _ : then , once more he was to be at his master 's disposal until supper . The work he would principally have to do would be the reading of all English correspondence , and the drawing up of a report upon it . Percy found it a very pleasant and serene life , and the sense of home deepened every day . He had an abundance of time to himself , which he occupied resolutely in relaxation .