Six o'clock
After a while Anthony kissed her because it came about quite naturally ; he found sweetness sleeping still upon her lips , and felt that he had never been away . The fire was bright and the breeze sighing in through the curtains brought a mellow damp , promising May and world of summer . His soul thrilled to remote harmonies ; he heard the strum of far guitars and waters lapping on a warm Mediterranean shore -- for he was young now as he would never be again , and more triumphant than death . Six o'clock stole down too soon and rang the querulous melody of St. Anne 's chimes on the corner . Through the gathering dusk they strolled to the Avenue , where the crowds , like prisoners released , were walking with elastic step at last after the long winter , and the tops of the busses were thronged with congenial kings and the shops full of fine soft things for the summer , the rare summer , the gay promising summer that seemed for love what the winter was for money . Life was singing for his supper on the corner ! Life was handing round cocktails in the street !