the noon sun
`` Gray has a butterfly in his collection which shows four distinct forms . Once people thought these forms were distinct species ; now they know they all are the same species of butterfly in various suits of disguise -- just as you might persuade yourself that unhappiness and happiness are radically different . But some people find satisfaction in being unhappy , and some find it in being happy ; and as it 's all only the gratification of that imperious egotism we call conscience , the specific form of all is simply ethical selfishness . '' He laughed unrestrainedly at his own will-o ' - the-wisp philosophy , looking very handsome and care-free there where the noon sun slanted across the white arcade all thick with golden jasmine bloom . And Shiela , too intelligent to mistake him , smiled a little at his gay perversity . * * * * * He met Portlaw , later , at the Beach Club for luncheon ; and , as the latter looked particularly fat , warm , and worried , Malcourt 's perverse humour remained in the ascendant , and he tormented Portlaw until that badgered gentleman emitted a bellow of exasperation . `` What on earth 's the matter ? ''