noon
The guests having drank the health of the heir and _ la belle de la nuit _ , began to disperse and soon after warm farewells to the family and heartfelt wishes that they should soon meet again , our friends were in their carriage and rapidly driving to their hotel . Lionel was very quiet , saying little , but ever and anon with a careful hand drawing Lady Esmondet or Vaura 's wraps around them , not that the night , or rather morning , was cold but Vaura had danced so often and there had been so much of excitement in the night for her , and besides it was delightful to him to have her at last near him where he could feel her presence and know that the others were all away ; to feel that when his hand touched her cheek , neck , or arm in his loving care in keeping her from the night air , that she did not shrink from his touch , but rather leaned to it . And he was happy , and so was she , but he did not know it , he only knew he was near her . The morning after the de Hauteville ball Lady Esmondet and Vaura met at the breakfast-table , at noon , Lady Esmondet not looking paler than usual . Vaura was pale for she had slept none , her eyes looking larger and her dainty and flexible lips a deep red . She was quite like her own sweet self though , in spite of fatigue , and her soft cardinal silk morning robe , loose at the throat , and turned down collar of white muslin and lace . In her belt the pink , heliotrope , and black-thorn sprays ; and Lionel was content with the picture as he opened the door and came forward .