noon
The feel of the air was good to him . He was exhilarated by the glitter of the snow , the answering excitement of his horse , the gaiety and sparkle of life about him . Somewhere far back in his inner self there seemed to be the sound of cheering and the clapping of hands . Shortly before noon he reached his club , where he was to lunch with Colonel Drew . In the reading-room he observed that men were looking at him in a manner less casual than was customary . Some of them went so far as to smile encouragingly , and others waved their hands in the most cordial fashion . Three or four very young members looked upon him with admiration and envy , and even the porters seemed more obsequious .