noon
Before the departure of the deputation , she had chanced to meet Monsieur Papalier in one of the corridors , equipped for his journey . She could not avoid passing him ; and he had greeted her with a significant `` Au revoir , Therese . '' Fervently she prayed that she might never meet him again ; and anxious was she to be gone to a place where he could not come . Before noon , L'Ouverture , with Placide riding by his side , and followed by some officers , who were themselves followed by a few soldiers , was among the heights which commanded the plain of the Artibonite on one side , and on the other the valleys which lay between their party and the Gros Morne . They had visited Le Zephyr , and were now about to examine the pass where their post was to be established . `` This heat , Placide , '' said his father , as the sun beat down upon their heads , `` is it not too much for you ? Perhaps you had better -- But I beg your pardon , '' he added , smiling ; `` I had forgotten that you are no longer my growing boy , Placide , whom I must take care of .