noon
When Richard awoke , he was refreshed and supremely happy . Then Katherine brought him food and wine , and ate her own morsel beside him . `` Our first meal we must take together , '' she said ; and Hyde was already sensible of some exquisite change , some new and rarer tenderness and solicitude in all her ways toward him . The noon hour was long past , but she made no mention of it . The wedding guests also lingered , talking and laughing softly , and occasionally visiting the happy bride and bridegroom in their blissful companionship . In those few hours Richard made sure his dominion over his wife 's heart ; and he had so much to tell her , and so many directions to give her , that , ere they were aware , the afternoon was well spent . The clergyman and the soldiers departed , Mrs. Gordon was a little weary , and Hyde was fevered with the very excess of his joy .