noon
It was nothing more than the closing of the smoking room door behind him . Sailors with buckets and mops were already beginning their nightly tasks . He must go to his state room ! Somehow or other , he must get through the night ... He did it , but he was not a very prepossessing looking object when he staggered out on deck twelve hours later , into the noon sunshine . The chair towards which he looked so eagerly was occupied . He scarcely knew himself whether that little gulp of acute feeling , which shot through his veins , was of relief or disappointment . While he hesitated , Wingrave raised his head .