midday
He recognized her sudden reappearance above the threshold of consciousness with mild surprise . He had almost forgotten her share in these problems . He had supposed her dismissed to an entirely subordinate position ... . Then he perceived that the workmen in the chalk pit far below had knocked off and were engaged upon their midday meal . He understood why his mind was no longer moving forward with any alacrity . Food ? The question where he should eat arose abruptly and dismissed all other problems from his mind .