noon
If this proves impossible , why not send the young girl home to remain until her wedding-day ? '' `` I am loath to do so , because the weather in Richmond is so hot at this season , '' Love replied ; adding : `` I shall take such measures , however , that it will be impossible for this thing to occur again ! '' The stern tone of his voice and the flash of his eyes assured Doctor Platt that he would keep his word , and he went away much comforted , for all his sympathies had been keenly enlisted by Dainty 's misfortunes . The young girl herself slept on heavily till noon , when she awoke , refreshed by her long rest , and was able to meet the family at luncheon , though her pallid cheeks and wistful eyes were enough to strike remorse to the hearts of her bitter enemies , if they had not been hard and cold as stone . But her lover 's looks and smiles were warm enough to atone for the indifference of the rest , and the soft color flew to her cheeks again as he took her hand tenderly , saying : `` Get ready , darling , and I shall take you for a long drive into the country this evening . '' Ah ! how Olive and Ela envied her the bliss of the long tête-à-tête drive as they watched the lovers going away in the elegant phaeton behind the spirited gray ponies , the sunshine resting so lovingly on Dainty 's curly locks beneath the simple white hat .