nearly noon
No hint of her history had ever passed the calm , patient lips , which had forgotten how to laugh , and now , as he watched her pale , melancholy face , which bore traces of extraordinary beauty , he exonerated her from all blame in the ruinous deception that had blasted more lives than one ; and honored the silent heroism which so securely locked her disappointment in her own heart . He knew that consumption was the hereditary scourge of her family , that she bore in her constitution the seeds of slowly but surely developing disease , and did not marvel at the quiet indifference with which she treated symptoms which he had several times pointed out as serious and dangerous . To-day her manner was excited , and her step betrayed very unusual impatience . `` Miss Dexter , from the frequency of your cough I am afraid you are imprudent in selecting this walk , which is so densely shaded that the sun does not reach it until nearly noon . Are not your feet damp ? '' `` No , sir ; my shoes are thick , and thoroughly protect them . '' She paused before him , and , in her soft , brown eyes , he saw a strange , unwonted restlessness , -- an eager expectancy that surprised and disturbed him .