midday
The Vicomte accompanied me to the top of the stairs , and there made sure that the servants were awaiting my departure in the hall . `` To-morrow morning , '' he said , with a friendly touch on my arm , `` you shall have my answer . '' With this news then I returned to my comfortable quarters in John Turner 's _ appartement _ in the Avenue d'Antan . I found that great banker about to partake of luncheon , which was served to him at midday , after the fashion of the country of his adoption . During my walk across the river and through the gardens of the Tuileries -- at that time at the height of their splendour -- I had not reflected very deeply on the matter in hand . I had thought more of Mademoiselle de Clericy 's bright eyes than aught else . `` Good morning , '' said my host , whom I had not seen before going out .