midday
She had recovered herself somewhat , but was mute and lifeless still . It was a torment to her when anybody spoke to her . Her face was like a small , fine mask , sinister too , masked with unwilling suffering . It was almost midday . Gerald rose and went away to his business , glad to get out . But he had not finished . He was coming back again at evening , they were all dining together , and he had booked seats for the party , excepting Birkin , at a music-hall .