noon
Christy presented her to Paul , who had heard much about her , but had never seen her . He was simply polite , though there was mischief in his eye , and the commander was in danger of being teased very nicely when they were alone together . Both Bertha and Paul were cordially welcomed by Mrs. Passford and Florry , and Christy needed nothing more to complete his happiness . But there was no time to spare , and Captain Passford hurried them without mercy , and without considering that the lovers had not met before for several months ; but the commander of the St. Regis was to hoist his flag at noon , and there was no room for long speeches . Christy and Paul hurried themselves into their new uniforms , not made for the occasion , but kept in store . The engineer 's uniform was all right as it was , for he had before reached the top of the ladder in his profession , but Flurry had changed the shoulder-straps of her brother . Captain Passford was not remorseless in separating the newly reunited friends ; for Paul and Flora had done some blushing , and had crept away into a corner of the great drawing-room as soon as he had put on his best uniform , and he finally insisted that all the ladies should go to the navy yard and witness the ceremony .