hours after noon
I could feel the drumming pulses in my ears , and my heart swelled till it was like to burst within my bosom . Though I pressed my hot fingers against my close-shut eyes , I still could see my poor love 's white , set face , the great hollows in his bearded cheeks , the blue veins on his thin temples , and the large eyes , one moment all love-lighted , the next , stricken with horror at the sight of my unfaith . How long I lay there I can scarcely tell . It was many hours after noon when I heard heavy steps without my door , which suddenly began to shake as though one beat upon it with frantic hands . `` Who is there ? '' I cried , lifting my head . `` Oh !