midday
I want extremely to see you . '' Bernard , of course , made a point of going to lunch . In as short a time as possible he found himself in Gordon 's sitting-room at the Hotel Middlesex . The table was laid for the midday repast , and a gentleman stood with his back to the door , looking out of the window . As Bernard came in , this gentleman turned and exhibited the ambrosial beard , the symmetrical shape , the monocular appendage , of Captain Lovelock . The Captain screwed his glass into his eye , and greeted Bernard in his usual fashion -- that is , as if he had parted with him overnight . `` Oh , good morning !