noon
She knelt down by the side of the couch , almost crushed by her own emotions . Over the grave of the young warrior she had raised her heart to Heaven in agony and grief , and now by her father 's side she poured forth her whole soul to her Creator in trembling ejaculations of thankfulness and hope . Thus -- the one slowly recovering whatever of life and vigour yet continued in his weakened frame , the other still filled with her all-absorbing emotions of gratitude -- the father and daughter long remained . And now , as morning waned towards noon , the storm began to subside . Gradually and solemnly the vast thunder-clouds rolled asunder , and the bright blue heaven beyond appeared through their fantastic rifts . The lessening rain-drops fell light and silvery to the earth , and breeze and sunshine were wafted at fitful intervals over the plague-tainted atmosphere of Rome . As yet , subdued by the shadows of the floating clouds , the dawning sunbeams glittered softly through the windows of Numerian 's chamber .