midday
When dinner was ready , all of them ate heartily , and with a relish . Indeed , they had been so long without vegetables that these tasted to them as fine as any they had ever eaten . Even the wild fruits appeared equal to the best they had ever gathered from an orchard ! It was a little after midday , as they were enjoying this dessert . They were seated in the open air , in front of the hut , and Caspar was doing most part of the talking , he was doing his best to be cheerful , and to make his companions so as well . `` They 're the best strawberries I 've eaten for a month , '' said he ; `` but I think a trifle of sugar and a drop of cream would be an improvement . What say you , Karl ? ''