midday
It was one long fragrance and stillness and shadow . They overtook the Routh party at the beginning of the mountain-path . The pine woods stretched on over the gradual slope , as far as they would climb before dinner . Otherwise the midday heats would have been too much for them . This was the easy part of the way , and there was breath for chat and merriment . Just within the upper edge of the woods , in a comparatively smooth opening , they halted . Here they spread their picnic , while up above , on the bare , open rock , the young men kindled their fire and heated the coffee ; and here they ate and drank , and rested through the noontide .