midday
I went off to the model lodging-house where I was told to look for him , mounted the common stairs , and knocked at his door . Nobody seemed to hear me , and as the door was ajar I pushed it open . ` Inside was a curious sight . ` The table was spread with the midday meal . Round the table stood four children , the eldest about fourteen , and the youngest six or seven . At one end of it stood the carpenter himself in his working apron , a brawny Saxon , bowed a little by his trade . Before him was a plate of bread , and his horny hands were resting on it .