noon
They entered the hospitium , where the noontide meal was about to be served . It was plain but ample ; solid joints , huge loaves , ale , and even wine in moderation . Some twenty sat down to the hospitable board . During the `` noon meat '' a homily was read . When the meal was over a lay brother came and beckoned Sir Nicholas and Hubert to follow him . He led them to the cloisters and knocked at the door of a cell . `` Come in , '' said a deep voice .