noon
Almost a year and not a word , not a sign ! Tortured by doubt , racked with love , she had gone her way silently ; blaming herself one moment for the ease with which she had shown her love ; staking her all the next on the honesty of the man who had kissed her hand in forgiveness in the old Devon church . Making excuses , heaping the blame upon herself , wearying , wondering -- and now ! She lifted her face , which shone like the Taj at noon , and the worshipful company of men looked at her , almost stunned by its incomprehensible radiance . `` Yes , '' she said softly , without thought of the Devil 's nerve-storm . `` Yes , I will surely come ! '' As she spoke there was a terrific report as the hind tyre of a passing car burst with due violence , a sudden convulsive bound as the Devil leapt with all four feet off the ground , and a thunder of hoofs as , with the bit between his teeth , he cleared for the open just as a man on a sixteen-hand bay turned in at the race-stand opening .