noon
`` Do n't you know that fried salt-pork and potatoes , in the kitchen , in your shirt-sleeves , is your only consistent meal , in the work season ? '' `` If you will insist on our living up to your notion of the real thing , we can set a special table for you in the kitchen . I 've no doubt we can borrow some pork somewhere . You can take off your coat and eat your noon meal there , if you like , sustained by your sense of what is fitting , '' offered Alec . `` As for me , I 'm going in to wash up , put on my coat , and eat about twelve square inches of the strawberry-shortcake Joanna 's building for this table . There wo n't be any of that served in the kitchen , I warn you , Mr. Chase . '' `` Thank you , I 'm not pointing out my course of action , but criticizing yours , '' retorted Neil , surveying with favour a vine-wreathed platter of broiled chicken , and eyeing hungrily a large salad-bowl filled with a compound which he knew by experience to be one of Joanna 's choicest .