noon
It was therefore with complete satisfaction that she left the inn in the course of the morning to pay her farewell visits to the governor and the judge of the province , who had taken an unusual interest in Colonel Wen 's case since Jasmine had become his personal advocate . Both officials had promised to do all they could for the prisoner , and had loaded Jasmine with tokens of good will in the shape of strange and rare fruits and culinary delicacies . On this particular day the governor had invited her to the midday meal , and it was late in the afternoon before she found her way back to the inn . The following morning she rose early , intending to start before noon , and was stepping into the courtyard to give directions to `` The Dragon , '' when , to her surprise , she was accosted by Miss King 's servant , who , with a waggish smile and a cunning shake of the head , said : `` How can one so young as your Excellency be such a proficient in the art of inventing flowers of the imagination ? '' `` What do you mean ? '' said Jasmine . `` Why , last night you told me you were married , and my poor young lady when she heard it was wrung with grief .