Noon
She would not touch them because she would not take her eyes from the white gate through which he had to pass . She did not grow impatient ; the love which sustained her , the hope that inspired her was too sweet ; her soul seemed to be in a blissful , happy trance ; no doubt , no fear , no presentiment of coming disappointment dimmed the radiance of those sunny brows . He was coming fast as steam could bring him ; it did not matter if he would not come yet , if more of the sunny hours passed -- even if he delayed until even-tide , he would come so sure as the sun shone in the blue sky . Noon passed . One -- two -- three -- still she had never moved or stirred . Four and five struck , still the light had not died from her eyes nor the smile from her face ; he would come ; the stars might fall from the heaven , the great earth upheave , the rivers rise , the hills fall , night become day , darkness light , but he would come . Who so faithful , so fond , so true ?