noon before
Poets , you know , are the exception to any rule . '' `` Why ? '' `` Because -- Really , my dear , you ask too many questions ! '' Although Straws and Celestina had left the house early in the day , it was noon before they reached the attractive garden , wherein was sequestered the `` select seminary . '' In this charming prison , whose walls were overrun with flowering vines , and whose cells were pretty vestal bowers , entered the bard and the young girl , to be met on the front porch by the wardeness herself , a mite of a woman , with wavy yellow hair , fine complexion and washed-out blue eyes . Sensitive almost to shyness , Mademoiselle de Castiglione appeared more adapted for the seclusion of the veil in the Ursuline Church than for the varied responsibilities of a young ladies ' institute . At the approach of the poet , she turned , looked startled , but finally came forward bravely .