noon
`` What ! is it noon already ! I would not have believed that we had been here more than ten minutes . '' `` Yes , it is noon , and dinner is waiting . '' `` So much the better , '' said Mr. Goulden , offering his arm to her , `` since you have told me the hour I find I have a good appetite . '' They went along the alley arm in arm , and when we were at the door a most charming sight met our eyes , the great tureen with its red flowers was smoking on the table , a breast of stuffed veal filled the room with a delicious odor . A great plate of cinnamon cakes stood on the edge of the old oak buffet , two bottles of wine , and glasses clear as crystal , shone on the white cloth beside the plates .