noon
These disagreeable and regretful thoughts were , in turn , but weakly combated by the occasional self-congratulation that belongs to a just or generous act , and were varied by a thousand conjectures -- now of anxiety , now of anger -- as to the silence of Lucilla . Sometimes he thought -- but the thought only glanced partially across him , and was not distinctly acknowledged -- that she might seek an interview with him ere he departed ; and in this hope he did not retire to rest till the dawn broke over the ruins of the mighty and breathless city . He then flung himself on a sofa without undressing , but could not sleep , save in short and broken intervals . The next day , he put off his departure till noon , still in the hope of hearing from Lucilla , but in vain . He could not flatter himself with the hope that Lucilla did not know the exact time for his journey -- he had expressly stated it . Sometimes he conceived the notion of seeking her again ; but he knew too well the weakness of his generous resolution ; and , though infirm of thought , was yet virtuous enough in act not to hazard it to certain defeat . At length in a momentary desperation , and muttering reproaches on Lucilla for her fickleness and inability to appreciate the magnanimity of his conduct , he threw himself into his carriage , and bade adieu to Rome .