midday
You need a rest . '' And that was all . He went out again into the blazing sunshine , and a little later she heard him talking to Schafen as they crossed the yard to the sheep-pens . She saw him again at the midday meal , but he ate in haste and seemed preoccupied , departing again at the earliest moment possible . Though he did not discuss the matter with her , she knew that the cruel drought would become a catastrophe if it lasted much longer . She prepared for departure with a heavy heart . He came in again to tea , but went to his room to change and only emerged to swallow a hasty cup before they started .