about noon
Mr. Bruce regretted losing sight of Gertrude , but amid the gaiety of southern cities wasted his time with tolerable satisfaction . He was reminded of her again on meeting the Graham party at New Orleans , and it is some credit to his understanding to say , that in the comparison which he constantly drew between her and the vain daughters of fashion , she stood higher than ever in his estimation . He did not hesitate to tell her so on the morning already mentioned , when , with evident satisfaction , he had recognized and joined her ; and , the increased devotion of his words and manner , which now took a tone of truth in which they had before been wanting , alarmed Gertrude , and led to a serious resolve to avoid him on all possible occasions . On the day succeeding the one of which we have been speaking , Mr. Graham returned from the city about noon , and joined the young ladies in the entry , unfolded his newspaper , and , handing it to Kitty , asked her to read the news . `` What shall I read ? '' said Kitty , taking the paper rather unwillingly . `` The leading article , if you please . ''