noon
`` Thomas , '' returned the other loftily . `` You can hand me out another cigar , and I will thank you not to be quite so familiar in the future . I am now general utility man with the ` Heart of the World ' company , and consequently entitled to greater respect . '' Miss Norvell failed to appear at the noon meal , though Winston met the other members of the company . He found them genial enough , even somewhat boisterous , with the single exception of Mr. Lane , who maintained a dignified and rather gloomy silence , such as became one of his recognized professional standing , after having favored the newcomer with a long , impertinent stare , apparently expressing disapproval . The manager was outwardly in most excellent humor , narrating several stories , at which all , excepting the reserved comedian , laughed quite heartily . At the conclusion of the repast , Albrecht condescended to purchase his new recruit a cigar , and then walked beside him toward the Opera House , where the necessary instructions in new duties promptly began .