noon
Lucretia 's eye followed a form as fair as ever captivated maiden 's glance , till it was out of sight ; and then , as she emerged from the shade of the cedars into the more open space of the garden , her usual thoughtful composure was restored to her steadfast countenance . On the terrace , she caught sight of Vernon , who had just quitted his own room , where he always breakfasted alone , and who was now languidly stretched on a bench , and basking in the sun . Like all who have abused life , Vernon was not the same man in the early part of the day . The spirits that rose to temperate heat the third hour after noon , and expanded into glow when the lights shone over gay carousers , at morning were flat and exhausted . With hollow eyes and that weary fall of the muscles of the cheeks which betrays the votary of Bacchus , -- the convivial three-bottle man , -- Charley Vernon forced a smile , meant to be airy and impertinent , to his pale lips , as he rose with effort , and extended three fingers to his cousin . `` Where have you been hiding ? Catching bloom from the roses ?