noon
He was no sooner gone than I asked a thousand questions about him of Don Antonio , who could give me no other satisfaction than that his name was Don Rodrigo , that he had lived fifteen or sixteen years in these parts , was reputed rich , and supposed to have been unfortunate in his younger years , because he was observed to nourish a pensive melancholy , even from the time of his first settlement among them ; but that nobody had ventured to inquire into the cause of his sorrow , in consideration of his peace , which might suffer in the recapitulation of his misfortunes . I was seized with an irresistible desire of knowing the particulars of his fate , and enjoyed not an hour of repose during the whole night , by reason of the eager conceptions that inspired me with regard to his story , which I resolved -LRB- if possible -RRB- to learn . Next morning , while we were at breakfast , three mules , richly caparisoned , arrived with a message from Don Rodrigo , desiring our company , and that of Don Antonio , at his house , which was situated about ten miles further up in the country . I was pleased with this invitation , in consequence of which we mounted the mules which he had provided for us , and alighted at his house before noon . Here we were splendidly entertained by the generous stranger , who still seemed to show a particular regard for me , and after dinner made me a present of a ring , set with a beautiful amethyst , the production of that country , saying , at the same time , that he was once blessed with a son , who , had he lived , would have been nearly of my age . This observation , delivered with a profound sigh , made my heart throb with violence : a crowd of confused ideas rushed upon my imagination , which , while I endeavoured to unravel , my uncle perceived my absence of thought , and tapping me on the shoulder , said , `` Oons , are you asleep , Rory ? '' Before I had time to reply , Don Rodrigo , with uncommon eagerness of voice and look , pronounced , `` Pray , captain , what is the young gentleman 's name ? ''