midday
A flash came from the eyes of the priest , but the youth repeated : `` My brother _ declines _ to _ see _ you , sir . '' The visitor caught breath to speak , but the great bell pealed for another landing and burial , and madame came out . She addressed him a few words in French , and with an austere bow to Julian he humbly turned away at her side . Hugh stood at the head of the midday dinner-table , waiting for a full assembly of its guests . The Vicksburg merchant and his wife , the planter from Milliken 's Bend and his wife , also stood at their places . The two ladies glanced about as if listlessly noting the cabin 's lavish arabesques and gilding , while each really studied and knew the other was studying the captain 's son . For this tale which we tell , they saw .