the sun at noon
`` It may still be in your power to change it , by being explicit . '' Wilder appeared to muse , and once or twice his lips moved , as if he were about to speak . Mrs Wyllys and Gertrude awaited his intentions with intense interest ; but , after a long and seemingly hesitating pause , he disappointed both , by saying , -- `` I am sorry that I have not the ability to make myself better understood . It can only be the fault of my dullness ; for I again affirm that the danger is as apparent to my eyes as the sun at noon day . '' `` Then we must continue blind , sir , '' returned Mrs Wyllys , with a cold salute . `` I thank you for your good and kind intentions , but you can not blame us for not consenting to follow advice which is buried in so much obscurity . Although in our own grounds , we shall be pardoned the rudeness of leaving you .