midday
Roland put it on over his own clothes , and flung his bonnet beside the cloak and sword , for the servant was bareheaded . `` Get under that archway , and keep out of sight until you hear me whistle . '' Taking the bucket , Roland mounted the steps , and strode out of the brilliant sunlight into the comparative gloom of the corridor that led to the kitchen . He had been two hours with the merchant , and it was now the time of midday eating . Every one was hurrying to and fro , with no time to heed anything that did not pertain to the business in hand , so placing the bucket in a darkened embrasure , the intruder flung off the gabardine beside it , and searching , found a back stair which he ascended . Once in the upper regions , he knew his way about , and proceeded directly to his mother 's room , being sure at this hour to find her within . On his unannounced entrance the Empress gave utterance to an exclamation that indicated dismay rather than pleasure , but she hurried forward to meet and embrace him .