noon
I was , involuntarily on my part , made his confidant . He told me that he had not as yet declared his passion to Helen , and feared to do so , lest he should be rejected by her , as there was a young Portuguese noble very marked in his attentions . Jocularly , I began to laugh him out of his fears , and urged a bold attempt to win her , if she was his choice , now that he was rich enough to forego all toil and care ; for Bachelor Hall was but a lonely dwelling . Before noon , we parted -- he to declare his unalterable love ; I to make some calls upon a few Scotch friends I had picked up . The day passed on cheerfully . I was returning to our hotel as the shades of evening began to fall , having an appointment with Captain H -- to attend a party in the evening . I was posting quickly along , when , at the Church of St. Geremino , a little distance from our hotel , I saw a crowd collect suddenly .