midday
Suddenly the door opened with an energetic click , and a lady came in , enveloped in an old-fashioned , circular cloak , and carrying on one arm a pile of paper-covered music . This , she laid on the table next that at which the young man was sitting , then took off her hat . When she had also hung up the unbecoming cloak , he saw that she was young and slight . For the rest , she seemed to bring with her , into the warm , tranquil atmosphere of the place , heavy with midday musings , a breath of wind and outdoor freshness -- a suggestion that was heightened by the quick decisiveness of her movements : the briskness with which she divested herself of her wrappings , the quick smooth of the hair on either side , the business-like way in which she drew up her chair to the table and unfolded her napkin . She seemed to be no stranger there , for , on her entrance , the younger and more active waiter had at once sprung up with officious haste , and almost before she was ready , the little table was newly spread and set , and the dinner of the day before her . She spoke to the man in a friendly way as she took her seat , and he replied with a pleased and smiling respect . Then she began to eat , deliberately , and with an overemphasised nicety .