noon
Supper was soon served . The toast was well browned , and spread with excellent butter . The steak was juicy and tender , contrary to the usual custom of country inns , and the tea was fragrant and strong . Both the travelers partook heartily , having eaten nothing since noon , with the exception of a little fruit purchased from the car window at one of the stations . Herbert was not usually in the habit of drinking tea at night , but on this particular occasion he wanted to keep awake , and therefore drank two cups , of undiminished strength . `` Now , Herbert , '' said Mr. Carroll , when they had finished supper , `` you may ask the clerk to assign me to a large room with a couple of beds in it . I should prefer to have you in the same room with me . ''