the autumn
noon
This sudden picture of easy joy and careless ignorance , contrasting so forcibly with the intense studies and that parching desire for wisdom which had so long made up his own life , and burned at his own heart , sensibly affected Glyndon . As he stood aloof and gazing on them , the young man felt once more that he was young . The memory of all he had been content to sacrifice spoke to him like the sharp voice of remorse . The flitting forms of the women in their picturesque attire , their happy laughter ringing through the cool , still air of the autumn noon , brought back to the heart , or rather perhaps to the senses , the images of his past time , the `` golden shepherd hours , '' when to live was but to enjoy . He approached nearer and nearer to the scene , and suddenly a noisy group swept round him ; and Maestro Paolo , tapping him familiarly on the shoulder , exclaimed in a hearty voice , `` Welcome , Excellency ! -- we are rejoiced to see you amongst us . '' Glyndon was about to reply to this salutation , when his eyes rested upon the face of a young girl leaning on Paolo 's arm , of a beauty so attractive that his colour rose and his heart beat as he encountered her gaze .