midday
The next day , when I had begun to paint at the end of that beautiful valley , which you know extends as far as Etretat , lifting my eyes suddenly , I perceived something singularly attired standing on the crest of the declivity ; it looked like a pole decked out with flags . It was she . On seeing me , she suddenly disappeared . I re-entered the house at midday for lunch , and took my seat at the common table , so as to make the acquaintance of this old and original creature . But she did not respond to my polite advances , was insensible even to my little attentions . I poured water out for her with great alacrity , I passed her the dishes with great eagerness . A slight , almost imperceptible movement of the head , and an English word , murmured so low that I did not understand it , were her only acknowledgments .