noon
Long and minute was the investigation with which they honoured us , and so uproarious their mirth , that I felt infinitely sheepish ; and Toby was immeasurably outraged at their familiarity . These lively young ladies were at the same time wonderfully polite and humane ; fanning aside the insects that occasionally lighted on our brows ; presenting us with food ; and compassionately regarding me in the midst of my afflictions . But in spite of all their blandishments , my feelings of propriety were exceedingly shocked , for I could but consider them as having overstepped the due limits of female decorum . Having diverted themselves to their hearts ' content , our young visitants now withdrew , and gave place to successive troops of the other sex , who continued flocking towards the house until near noon ; by which time I have no doubt that the greater part of the inhabitants of the valley had bathed themselves in the light of our benignant countenances . At last , when their numbers began to diminish , a superb-looking warrior stooped the towering plumes of his head-dress beneath the low portal , and entered the house . I saw at once that he was some distinguished personage , the natives regarding him with the utmost deference , and making room for him as he approached . His aspect was imposing .