noon
` Charpentier , pass me the brandy-flask . ' Three swallows and it is empty . '' -LSB- Illustration -RSB- So the description would continue -- dazzling , Homeric . `` It is the hour for the regatta -- noon -- the sun just overhead . The boats draw up in line on the sparkling river , before a tent gaudy with streamers . On the bank the mayor with his staff of office , gendarmes in yellow shoulder-belts , and a swarm of summer dresses , open parasols , and straw hats . Bang !