midday
`` Cecilia ! '' It was only a single word , but it escaped Egbert 's lips in the fervent tone of passion , and at its sound , the large dark eyes opened and met his . For a second their looks mingled -- rather an eternity . With loud , clear strokes , the clock told the midday hour . Egbert let his arm drop and drew himself up erect . `` Make Eric happy ! '' said he , with difficulty , in a hollow tone : `` Farewell , Cecilia ! ''