the noon sun
Lewis 's eye sought out a slight figure behind the others , a mere gleam of pink and white . As she stepped out from the path to the heather his eye was quick to seize her exquisite grace . Other women arrayed themselves in loose and floating raiment , ribbons and what not ; but here was one who knew her daintiness , and made no effort to cloak it . Trim , cool , and sweet , the coils of bright hair above the white frock catching the noon sun -- surely a lady to pray for and toil for , one made for no facile wooing or easy conquest . Lewis advanced to Mr. Stocks as soon as he had welcomed his aunt , and shook hands cordially . `` We seem to have lost sight of each other during the last few days . I never congratulated you enough , but you probably understood that my head was full of other things .