midday
Susan followed . Mr. Venning strolled after her . Portuguese military families , their clothes suggesting late rising in untidy bedrooms , trailed across , attended by confidential nurses carrying noisy children . As midday drew on , and the sun beat straight upon the roof , an eddy of great flies droned in a circle ; iced drinks were served under the palms ; the long blinds were pulled down with a shriek , turning all the light yellow . The clock now had a silent hall to tick in , and an audience of four or five somnolent merchants . By degrees white figures with shady hats came in at the door , admitting a wedge of the hot summer day , and shutting it out again . After resting in the dimness for a minute , they went upstairs .