midday
There were two young Honourables of the fair sex , and an only son -- then attending his studies at Oxford -- children of the family . Phebe Fortune was now fifteen , and seemed to increase in loveliness , and the most kindly , intelligent expression of countenance , daily . Her eyes were heaven 's own _ blue _ -- `` The little halcyon 's azure plume Was never half so blue . '' And then , when she spoke or smiled , her countenance was altogether overpowering ; as well might you have attempted to look steadfastly upon the sun in his midday radiance . Of _ her _ far more truly and forcibly might it have been said or sung , than of the `` Lassie wi ' the Lint-white Locks '' -- `` She talked , she smiled , my heart she wiled , She charmed my soul , I wat na hoo ; But aye the stound , the deadly wound , Cam frae her een sae bonny blue . '' Phebe , by my own arrangement with Lady D -- , was not exposed to any intimacy with the servants , male or female . She had her own apartment and table ; and all the menial duties were performed to her as regularly as to any branch of the family .