about midday
This smell is too abominable . But we must be ready for him when he comes back . If we sit at the window we shall see him coming down the road . '' The fresh morning air , and the genial company of the Admiral had caused the Doctor to forget his troubles , and he came back about midday in an excellent humor . As he opened the hall door the vile smell of chemicals which had spoilt his breakfast met him with a redoubled virulence . He threw open the hall window , entered the dining-room , and stood aghast at the sight which met his eyes . Ida was still sitting among her bottles , with a lit cigarette in her left hand and a glass of stout on the table beside her .