About noon
The freshness of morning breathed over the scene , and vivified each colour of the landscape . The bright dewdrops hung trembling from the branches of the trees , which at intervals overshadowed the road ; and the sprightly music of the birds saluted the rising day . Notwithstanding her anxiety the scene diffused a soft complacency over the mind of Julia . About noon they reached the port , where Ferdinand was fortunate enough to obtain a small vessel ; but the wind was unfavourable , and it was past midnight before it was possible for them to embark . When the dawn appeared , Julia returned to the deck ; and viewed with a sigh of unaccountable regret , the receding coast of Sicily . But she observed , with high admiration , the light gradually spreading through the atmosphere , darting a feeble ray over the surface of the waters , which rolled in solemn soundings upon the distant shores . Fiery beams now marked the clouds , and the east glowed with increasing radiance , till the sun rose at once above the waves , and illuminating them with a flood of splendour , diffused gaiety and gladness around .