noon
Once , in a moment of intoxicating bliss , he swore to do whatever I commanded him , to test the sincerity of his life ; and I playfully and thoughtlessly bade him go and kill himself for my sake . The words were forgotten by me , almost as soon as uttered . Angelo supped with me that night , and when he took his leave , he had never seemed gayer or happier . The next day , at noon , I received a beautiful bouquet of flowers , and a perfumed billet-doux ; they were from Angelo . On opening the missive , I found that it contained the most eloquent assurance of his sincere love -- but , to my horror , in a postscript of two lines he expressed his intention of destroying himself ere his note could reach me , in obedience to my command . Almost distracted , I flew to his hotel ; my worst fears were confirmed . Poor Angelo was found with his throat cut , and quite dead , with my miniature pressed to his heart . '