noon
If you speak you only give opportunities to Beckendorff of ascertaining your opinions and your inclinations ; and your silence , after such frequent attempts on your side to promote discussion upon business , will soon be discovered by him to be systematic . This will not decrease his opinion of your sagacity and firmness . The first principle of negotiation is to make your adversary respect you . '' After long consultation the Prince determined to follow Vivian 's advice ; and so firmly did he adhere to his purpose that when he met Mr. Beckendorff at the noon meal , he asked him , with a very unembarrassed voice and manner , `` what sport he had had in the morning . '' The noon meal again consisted of a single dish , as exquisitely dressed , however , as the preceding one . It was a haunch of venison . `` This is my dinner , gentlemen , '' said Beckendorff ; `` let it be your luncheon .