midday
The young had fibre and nerve to squander ; brittle folk must walk lightly . The Major stared at the feathery trees that marked the place . The green became a blur ; he stamped his foot upon the floor with violence , said something between his teeth , and turned from the window to a desolate contemplation of the backs of books . It was after midday when Fairfax Cary returned . He came in , white and steady , apologized for his absence , and ordered dinner . The two ate little , hardly spoke , but drank their wine . As they passed out of the dining-room , the elder said , `` You have been -- '' `` Yes .