noon
She was sure that as the princess could not have seen Zoroaster 's face , she must have thought that it was he who was embracing the queen . She must have suffered horribly , if she really loved him ! When Darius left the queen , he gave over the miserable Phraortes to the guards , to be cared for , and bent his steps towards the gardens . It was yet early , but he wished to be alone , and he supposed that Nehushta would come there before noon , as was her wont . Meanwhile , he wished to be free of the court and of the queen . Slowly he entered the marble gate and walked up the long walk of roses , plucking a leaf now and then , and twisting it in his fingers , scenting the fresh blossoms with an almost boyish gladness , and breathing in all the sweet warmth of the summer morning . He had made a mistake , and he was glad to be away , where he could calmly reflect upon the reason of his being deceived .