noon
The stranger occupied himself for a time with a book of prayers which he carried about him , and then again with the duties of a sick-bed . He sprinkled vinegar over Agellius 's face and about the room , and supplied him with the refreshment of cooling fruit . He kept the flies from tormenting him , and did his best so to arrange his posture that he might suffer least from his long lying . In the morning and evening he let in the air , and he excluded the sultry noon . In these various occupations he was from time to time removed to a distance from the patient , who thus had an opportunity of observing him . The stranger was of middle height , upright , and well proportioned ; he was dressed in a peasant 's or slave 's dark tunic . His face was rather round than long ; his hair black , yet with the promise of greyness , with what might be baldness in the crown , or a priest 's tonsure .