midday
Vinicius was sitting on a stool ; his head bent almost to his knees with his hands on his head ; but at the sound of steps he raised his stony face , in which the eyes alone had a feverish brightness . `` Thou wert late ? '' asked Petronius . `` Yes ; they seized her before midday . '' A moment of silence followed . `` Hast thou seen her ? '' `` Yes . ''