noon
`` This is the first time I have ever been asked into this house , '' he said , his lips curling in a bitter , unfriendly smile . `` Where is your father ? '' `` His rooms are in the other end of the house , upstairs . He sleeps till noon , '' she answered mechanically . `` Umph ! '' he grunted , resuming his walk . `` Tom , '' she said , taking a firm grasp on her nerves , `` let us talk it over quietly .