an hour before noon
These occupied me until a very late hour ; and when at length I retired to rest , it was only to indulge in the fondest imaginings that ever filled the heart of a devoted lover . Alas ! -LRB- and the dark warrior again sighed heavily -RRB- the day-dream of my happiness was already fast drawing to a close . `` At half an hour before noon , I was again in the oasis ; your mother was at the wonted spot ; and although she received me with her sunniest smiles , there were traces of tears upon her cheek . I kissed them eagerly away , and sought to dissipate the partial gloom that was again clouding her brow . She observed it pained me to see her thus , and she made a greater effort to rally . She implored me to forgive her weakness ; but it was the first time she was to be separated from her parent ; and conscious as she was that it was to be for ever , she could not repress the feeling that rose , despite of herself , to her heart .