midday
` We must join to buy it , dear , ' she added , with anxious look . ` It would n't be justifiable to spend more than two or three shillings . ' ` I fear not . ' They were preparing their midday meal , the substantial repast of the day . In a little saucepan on an oil cooking-stove was some plain rice , bubbling as Alice stirred it . Virginia fetched from downstairs -LRB- Mrs. Conisbee had assigned to them a shelf in her larder -RRB- bread , butter , cheese , a pot of preserve , and arranged the table -LRB- three feet by one and a half -RRB- at which they were accustomed to eat . The rice being ready , it was turned out in two proportions ; made savoury with a little butter , pepper , and salt , it invited them to sit down .