midday
Besides , it had been anxious work , for while each had sworn to himself aforetime to protect his friend from the wiles of Miss Wishart , both were now devoted slaves drawn at that young woman 's chariot wheel . You will perceive that it is a delicate matter to wage war with a goddess , and a task unblest of Heaven . Supper was brought , and the lamps lit in the cool old room , where , through the open window , they could still catch the glint of foam on the stream and the dark gloom of pines on the hill . They fell ravenously on the meal , for one man had eaten nothing since midday and the others were fresh from moorland air . Thereafter they pulled armchairs to a window , and lit the pipes of contentment . Wratislaw stretched his arms on the sill and looked out into the fragrant darkness . `` Any news , Tommy ? ''