noon
Paul passed through this entrance , and found himself face to face with the old book-keeper , Van Zandt , who was following all his movements with a questioning gaze . `` Good-afternoon , Major , '' said Paul , pleasantly . `` Have you been out for your lunch yet ? '' `` I always get my dinner at noon , '' the book-keeper gruffly answered , returning to his books . As Paul walked on he could not but think that the Major 's manner was ungracious . And the young man remembered how cheerful the old man had been , and how courteous always , when the son of the senior partner , while still a school-boy , used to come to the office on Saturdays . Paul had always delighted in the office , and the store , and the yard behind , and he had spent many a holiday there , and Major Van Zandt had always been glad to see him , and had willingly answered his myriad questions .