Noon
Whither should they fly ? Some , anticipating a second earthquake , hastened to their homes to load themselves with their more costly goods , and escape while it was yet time ; others , dreading the showers of ashes that now fell fast , torrent upon torrent , over the streets , rushed under the roofs of the nearest houses , or temples , or sheds -- shelter of any kind -- for protection from the terrors of the open air . But darker , and larger , and mightier , spread the cloud above them . It was a sudden and more ghastly Night rushing upon the realm of Noon ! STUNNED by his reprieve , doubting that he was awake , Glaucus had been led by the officers of the arena into a small cell within the walls of the theatre . They threw a loose robe over his form , and crowded round in congratulation and wonder . There was an impatient and fretful cry without the cell ; the throng gave way , and the blind girl , led by some gentler hand , flung herself at the feet of Glaucus .