noon
He took out a photograph , wrapped in yellowed tissue paper , and went back to the table . He unwrapped it , his blunt white fingers trembling ever so slightly , and sat down . A face of surpassing loveliness looked back at him . It was Evelina , at the noon of her girlish beauty , her face alight with love . Anthony Dexter looked long at the perfect features , the warm , sweet , tempting mouth , the great , trusting eyes , and the brown hair that waved so softly back from her face ; the all-pervading and abiding womanliness . There was strength as well as beauty ; tenderness , courage , charm . `` Mate for a man , '' said Dexter , aloud .