noon
How they would laugh at him at the Luxembourg ! Not even an affair of this kind was he fit to carry through ; not even as a meddler in women 's matters as Tressan had called him -- could he achieve success . Rabecque , reflecting his master 's mood -- as becomes a good lackey -- rode silent and gloomy a pace or two in the rear . By noon they had reached Voiron , and here , at a quiet hostelry , they descended to pause awhile for rest and refreshment . It was a chill , blustering day , and although the rain held off , the heavens were black with the promise of more to come . There was a fire burning in the general-room of the hostelry , and Garnache went to warm him at its cheerful blaze . Moodily he stood there , one hand on the high mantel shelf , one foot upon an andiron , his eyes upon the flames .