noon
You know the bronze statue of Pope Julius in the great square of Perugia ? I remember standing in the shadow of that statue one sunny noontime , and being impressed by its paternal aspect , and fancying that a blessing fell upon me from its outstretched hand . Ever since , I have had a superstition , you will call it foolish , but sad and ill-fated persons always dream such things , -- that , if I waited long enough in that same spot , some good event would come to pass . Well , my friend , precisely a fortnight after you begin your tour , -- unless we sooner meet , -- bring Donatello , at noon , to the base of the statue . You will find me there ! '' Kenyon assented to the proposed arrangement , and , after some conversation respecting his contemplated line of travel , prepared to take his leave . As he met Miriam 's eyes , in bidding farewell , he was surprised at the new , tender gladness that beamed out of them , and at the appearance of health and bloom , which , in this little while , had overspread her face . '