noon
It struck her now that she might in very truth begin to expect him ; the sun was growing warmer , the flowers were wide awake , the brown bees were busy among the carnations , the birds had done half their day 's work ; some of the tall-plumed lilacs were beginning to droop , and the white acacia blossoms had fallen on the long grass . Her whole soul in her eyes , and those eyes fixed longingly on the white gate , she sat there until noon . Great city bells rang out the hour ; in the villages it was told by sweet old chimes . The hay-makers sat down to rest , the butterflies rested in the great hearts of the red roses , the bees settled in the carnations , the languid , odorous wind was still while the strokes rang out one after another -- fragrant , sunny , golden noon . He had not come ; but every moment was bringing him nearer . Some one brought her a glass of wine , some fruit and biscuits . She would not touch them because she would not take her eyes from the white gate through which he had to pass .