noon
When she entered the town , instead of seeking her aunt , she rested at an _ auberge _ in the suburbs , and confiding her little basket of lace to the care of its hostess , she set out alone , and on foot , upon the errand of her heart 's lovely superstition . And erring though it was , her faith redeemed its weakness , her affection made it even sacred ; and well may we believe that the Eye which reads all secrets scarce looked reprovingly on that fanaticism whose only infirmity was love . So fearful was she lest , by rendering the task too easy , she might impair the effect , that she scarcely allowed herself rest or food . Sometimes , in the heat of noon , she wandered a little from the roadside , and under the spreading lime-tree surrendered her mind to its sweet and bitter thoughts ; but ever the restlessness of her enterprise urged her on , and faint , weary , and with bleeding feet , she started up and continued her way . At length she reached the ancient city , where a holier age has scarce worn from the habits and aspects of men the Roman trace . She prostrated herself at the tomb of the Magi ; she proffered her ardent but humble prayer to Him before whose Son those fleshless heads -LRB- yet to faith at least preserved -RRB- had , eighteen centuries ago , bowed in adoration . Twice every day , for a whole week , she sought the same spot , and poured forth the same prayer .