midday
He betook himself to the library , to the _ Letters of the Portuguese Nun _ and an easy-chair . They might oust him with severity , but it was as well to enjoy a short interval of luxury . The room was warmed with a stove ; the book was in the old-fashioned type ; an almost sleepless night was behind him ; soon he slept . It was almost midday when he slept ; the afternoon was advancing when he awakened . Madam Morin was standing beside him arranging a tray of food upon the table . ` Eh ! ' she said , and smiled upon him .