noons
Keith was swimming , together with his two genii ; he looked like a rosy Silenus . They seemed to be enjoying themselves vastly , to judge by the outbursts of laughter . Mr. Heard thought of going to join the fun , but gave up the idea ; there was something astir that clogged his energies . He knew them -- these Southern noons . If no ghost resided in the melancholy ruin hard by , there might well be some imponderable hostile essence afloat in the still air of midday . Anything , he felt , could happen at this unearthly hour . The wildest follies might be committed at the bidding of this unseen Presence .