noon
What a place to talk of suicide , there , in the midst of that oriental garden , voluptuous with a thousand unspoken suggestions , laden with the perfume of flowers , glowing with the many colored lights that illumined it , rustling as with the sound of hidden insects as the gowns of gorgeously bedecked women brushed against the growing things ! Over our heads , beyond the glass roof , the storm still howled , although with less violence , and the contrast seemed strangely in keeping with the condition of my own mind , outwardly so calm and composed , yet torn by the thousand conflicting emotions that were induced by the proximity of this entrancing creature , and the knowledge of what her fate , and therefore mine , must inevitably be . To what lengths our conversation on that subject might have gone I will never know , for at that instant we were interrupted by Prince Michael , who was seeking my companion . I had only time to utter one admonition : `` Extremities should never be resorted to until the necessity arises , nor is it wise for one to burn a bridge until it has been crossed ; besides , you have an engagement at noon to-morrow which should be kept . '' `` Which will be kept , '' she murmured , in reply . Then Prince Michael came upon us . The prince reported that many of the guests were calling for their hostess and so I utilized the opportunity to take my leave , which I did notwithstanding the protests of my friend .