noon
There was no sea breeze next morning and the sun shone through a yellow haze that seemed to intensify the heat . The white walls reflected a curious subdued light that was more trying to the eyes than the usual glare , and the beat of the surf was slow and languid . The air was still and heavy , and Dick 's fever , which had been abating , recovered force . He was hot and irritable , and his restlessness did not vanish until Clare came in at noon . `` I 've been watching for you since daybreak , and you might have come before , '' he said . `` Lucille means well , but she 's clumsy . She does n't help one to be quiet as you do . ''