midday
That is his wife ! '' people whispered , and they drew respectfully back to let her pass , as , in a very becoming dress , she swept into the little room behind the platform , which she alone was permitted to enter . One day at this time there was a violent thunderstorm . Towards midday , the eastern sky grew black with clouds , which , for hours , had been ominously gathering ; a sudden wind rose and swept the dust house-high through the streets ; the thunder rumbled , and each roll came nearer . When , after a prolonged period of expectation , the storm finally burst , there was a universal sigh of relief . The afternoon was damply refreshing . As soon as the rain ceased , Maurice shut his piano , and walked at a brisk pace to Connewitz , his head bared beneath the overhanging branches , which were still weighed down by their burden of drops .