noon
`` You would not let me . '' She could not take this rebuff seriously , but as she trudged the streets in the thin cold rain that had fallen persistently all that morning her sense of humour was blunted by discomfort . The long dark , stone-paved hall that was the restaurant of the Aquila Verde seemed cold and cheerless . At noon it was always full of hungry men devouring macaroni and _ vitello alla Milanese _ , and the steam of hot food and the sound of masticating jaws greeted Olive as she came in and took her place at a little table near the stove . The young waiter , Angelo , brought her a cup of coffee after the cheese and celery . `` It gives courage , '' he said . `` And I see you need that to-day , signorina . ''