midday
`` The price may perhaps be paid to God in good , as well as to man in pain . '' Bosio shook his head , and a long silence followed . Once or twice he roused himself , stirred the cup of chocolate which the waiter had set before him , and sipped a teaspoonful of it absently . The corner where the two men sat together was quiet , but from the front of the café came the continual clatter of plates and glasses , the echo of feet , and the ring of voices ; for it was just midday , and the place was full of its habitual frequenters . `` If we were in church , '' said Bosio at last , `` and if you were in a confessional -- '' He stopped , and glanced at his companion without completing the sentence . `` You would make a confession ? There are churches near , '' said Don Teodoro .