noon
As I saw him depart , I felt like a naval hero when his enemy has struck , and , in the pride of victory , abandoned myself to pleasure . If the Marchesa watched me at first with an uneasy and anxious eye , doubtful , perhaps , how I should acquit myself in that high and polished world , I soon saw that her fears were allayed as she saw the easy quietude of my manner , and that tranquil self-possession which is supposed to be only acquired by long admixture with the world of fashion . It was evident , too , that if any failure on my part would entail disgrace , success was just as certain to do her honor and credit , since I was a strong rebutting evidence against all those who denied that the Marchesa was ever known or recognized before in the high circles of a court . `` To-morrow , at noon , '' said she , as I made my bow at parting ; and it was not likely I should forget the appointment . It was with very different feelings I drove up to the palace of the Marchesa on the day following , from those I had experienced on approaching it on the evening of the reception ; nor was I long without perceiving that my confidence was well founded . The Groom of the Chambers received me with his most bland courtesy , and by his manner showed that he expected my arrival . Preceding me through a suite of rooms whose magnificence I had not time to observe on the previous evening , he ushered me into a small chamber leading into a conservatory , from which the view extended over the wide Bay of Naples , and presented Vesuvius from base to summit .