noon
Contrary to his usual custom , he did not even look at the copy of The Patriot brought to his breakfast table ; he wanted to have that editorial fresh to eye and mind when Marrineal called him to account for it . For this was a challenge which Marrineal could not ignore . He breakfasted with a copy of `` The Undying Voices '' propped behind his coffee cup , refreshing himself before battle with the delights of allusive memory , bringing back the days when he and lo had read and discovered together . It was noon when he reached the office . From the boy at the entrance he learned that Mr. Marrineal had come in . Doubtless he would find a summons on his desk . None was there .