noon
Had not I myself invited the parable , it might have been offensive . For the instruction and entertainment given me , accept thou this -- and go in peace . '' The Sheik took the ring offered him , and the gaze with which he followed the imperial giver was suggestive of respect and pity . It was a trifle after noon . The trireme and the assemblage of admiring townspeople had disappeared , leaving the bay and its shores to their wonted quiet . The palace , however , nestling in the garden under the promontory , must be permitted to hold our interest longer . Aboo-Obeidah had eaten and drunk , for being on a journey , he was within the license of the law as respects wine ; and now he sat with the Princess alone at the end of the portico lately occupied by the Emperor and his suite .