noon
Maltravers had deep good-nature where he was touched , though he had not a superfluity of what is called good-humour , which floats on the surface and smiles on all alike . He had much of the milk of human kindness , but little of its oil . The poet assented , and they were soon upon the lake . It was a sultry day , and it was noon ; so the boat crept slowly along by the shadow of the shore , and Cesarini drew from his breast-pocket some manuscripts of small and beautiful writing . Who does not know the pains a young poet takes to bestow a fair dress on his darling rhymes ! Cesarini read well and feelingly . Everything was in favour of the reader .