noon
It was only at their first meeting this condition had been forgotten . Mary looked so pale , so thin , so different even to when they parted , that the warm heart of Emmeline could not be restrained , for she knew , however resignation might be , nay , was felt , it was a bitter pang to that gentle girl to leave her native land , and the friends she so much loved ; but recalling her promise , with a strong effort she checked her own sorrow , and endeavoured with playful fondness to raise the spirits of her friend . The day passed cheerfully , the young people took a drive for some few miles in the vicinity of Dover , while Mr. Hamilton , acting the part of a brother to the favourite _ protégeé _ of his much-loved mother , listened to her plans , counselled and improved them , and , indeed , on many points proved himself such a true friend , that when Mrs. Greville retired to rest that night , she felt more at ease in mind than for many months she had been . The following day was employed in seeing the antiquities of Dover , its ancient castle among the first , and with Mr. Hamilton as a cicerone , it was a day of pleasure to all , though , perhaps , a degree of melancholy might have pervaded the party in the evening , for the recollection would come , that by noon on the morrow , Mrs. Greville and Mary would bid them farewell . In vain during that day had Herbert sought for an opportunity to speak with Mary on the subject nearest his heart , though they had been so happy together ; when for a few minutes they found themselves alone , he had fancied there was more than usual reserve in Mary 's manner , which checked the words upon his lip . Some hours he lay awake that night . Should he write his hopes and wishes ?