noon
Because her instructor could not play the piano , the little maid had not learned . But in order that she might enjoy listening to music , a hand-organ had been bought for her , and new melodies were inserted in it every four months . When the little maid wearied of her organ and her picture-making , she seated herself at the card-table , and played _ l'hombre _ , or _ tarok _ , with two imaginary adversaries , enjoying the manner in which the copper coins won the gold ones . At noon , when the bell rang a third time , the man tapped at the door again , offered his gloved hand to the maid , and conducted her to the dining-room . At either end of a large table was a plate . The maid took her place at the head ; the man seated himself at the foot . They conversed during the meal .