noon
He put his arm around her , and placed her head against his shoulder . Ah , how his generous heart ached , as he noted the hungry delight with which her splendid eyes lingered on his features , and the convulsive tenacity with which she clung to him , trembling with excess of joy that brought back carmine to her wasted lips and carnation bloom to her blanched cheeks . He heard her whispering , and knew it was a prayer of thanksgiving for the blessing of his presence . But very soon a change came over her sparkling , happy face , like an inky cloud across a noon sky , and he felt a shiver stealing through her form . `` Let me go ! You said once , that when I came to Europe to enter on my professional career , you wished never to touch my hands again , -- you would consider them polluted . '' `` Dear Salome , I recant all those harsh , unjust words , which were uttered when I was not fully aware of the latent strength of your character .