morning, noon
At one time he had known perfectly well what he wanted . Now , the goal of his desires had become vague . He could not say exactly what it was . He preferred that things should go forward without much idea of consequences ; if consequences came , they would do so naturally enough , and of themselves ; all that he positively knew was that Hilma occupied his thoughts morning , noon , and night ; that he was happy when he was with her , and miserable when away from her . The Chinese cook served his supper in silence . Annixter ate and drank and lighted a cigar , and after his meal sat on the porch of his house , smoking and enjoying the twilight . The evening was beautiful , warm , the sky one powder of stars .