noon
He stroked her hair with a hand that seemed strangely heavy . * * * * * Three weeks later , hollow-eyed , a little shaky , but eager to be back at work , Benito returned to his office . A press of work engaged him through the morning hours . But at noon , he wandered out into the bright June sunshine , walking about and greeting old friends . At the Russ House Cafe , where he lunched , William Ralston greeted him cordially . `` How is the war going ? '' Windham asked .