noon
While thus engaged , Maitre Pierre 's countenance expressed a kind of good humour almost amounting to benevolence , which appeared remote from its ordinary sharp , caustic , and severe character . The aged almost always sympathize with the enjoyments of youth and with its exertions of every kind , when the mind of the spectator rests on its natural poise and is not disturbed by inward envy or idle emulation . Quentin Durward also , while thus agreeably employed , could do no otherwise than discover that the countenance of his entertainer , which he had at first found so unprepossessing , mended when it was seen under the influence of the Vin de Beaulne , and there was kindness in the tone with which he reproached Maitre Pierre , that he amused himself with laughing at his appetite , without eating anything himself . `` I am doing penance , '' said Maitre Pierre , `` and may not eat anything before noon , save some comfiture and a cup of water . -- Bid yonder lady , '' he added , turning to the innkeeper , `` bring them hither to me . '' The innkeeper left the room , and Maitre Pierre proceeded , `` Well , have I kept faith with you concerning the breakfast I promised you ? '' `` The best meal I have eaten , '' said the youth , `` since I left Glen Houlakin . ''