noon
But outward peace was preserved and a show of ease . Grio 's brutal nature broke out once or twice when he had had wine ; but discouraged by Basterga , he subsided quickly . And Louis , starting at a voice and trembling at a knock , with the fear of the Syndic always upon him , showed a nervousness which more than once drew the Italian 's eye to him . But on the whole a calm prevailed ; a stranger entering at noon or during the evening meal might have deemed the party ill-assorted and silent , but lacking neither in amity nor ease . Meantime , under cover of this calm , destined to be short-lived and holding in suspense the makings of a storm of no mean violence , two persons were drawing nearer to one another . A confidence , even a confidence not perfect , is a tie above most . Nor does love play at any time a higher part than when it repeats `` I do not understand -- I trust '' .