nearly midday
He wished to hear more , though at the same time it seemed that he had no right to listen . Luckily or unluckily , the boxer broke in and changed the subject . Early in the morning , passengers for Sidi-bel-Abbés had to descend from the train going on to Oran , and take a slow one , on a branch line . It was a very slow one , indeed , and it was also late , so that it would be nearly midday and the hour for _ dejeuner _ when they reached their destination . Max saw himself inquiring for Mademoiselle Delatour just at the moment when the admirers of her topaz eyes were assembling for their meal . He did not like the prospect ; but said nothing of his own worries to Sanda , whom he joined on changing trains . Now the meeting with her father was so near , she had to hold her courage with both hands .