midday
There was quite a long silence . Suddenly Antony roused himself . `` You 'll let me get you some tea , Madam , '' he said . Awaiting no reply , he went into the little scullery , where the fire by which he had cooked his midday meal was still alight . The kettle filled with water and placed on the stove , he stood by it , in a measure wishful , yet oddly reluctant to return to the parlour . Reluctance won the day . He remained by the kettle , gazing at it .