noon
Heaven was cloudless , and grand with the quiver of its living fires . How soft are the nights of the Continent ! How bland , balmy , safe ! No sea-fog ; no chilling damp : mistless as noon , and fresh as morning . Having crossed court and garden , we reached the glass door of the first classe . It stood open , like all other doors that night ; we passed , and then I was ushered into a small cabinet , dividing the first classe from the grand salle . This cabinet dazzled me , it was so full of light : it deafened me , it was clamorous with voices : it stifled me , it was so hot , choking , thronged .