the sun at noon
`` Yes ; for Estepona . Be ready , then , at gunfire -- '' He stopped suddenly as Mariquita came in . `` Beautiful as a star ! '' was his greeting ; and in a fulsome , familiar tone he went on -- `` You are like the sun at noon , my beauty , and burn my heart with your bright eyes . '' `` Insolent ! '' retorted Mariquita . `` Hold your tongue . ''