noon
Then I wrote Belmont of my plans , told him I had forsaken everything for him , and appointed a place in this city where we could meet . I hastened down from Albany , disguised myself , and went to the place of rendezvous . After waiting a long time , his cousin came ; brought me a letter , showed me the marriage notice . Only two days ago they -- Belmont and that woman -- were married , and they sailed for Europe at noon to-day , in the steamer upon which I had expected to go as a bride . He wrote that with failing health , penury staring him in the face , and , despairing at last of being able to win me , he had grown reckless , and sold himself to that wealthy widow who had long loved him , and who would provide generously for his helpless mother . He said he dared not trust himself to see me again . And so , all is over for ever . ''