noon
He was very considerate of her feelings -- he seldom referred to their approaching marriage , but sought by every means in his power to keep her mind engaged with amusing and pleasant topics . The ceremony was to be performed in the English church of the place , and Mrs. Mencke had sent to Paris for a suitable trousseau for the occasion . She had spared no expense , for she was determined that the affair should be as brilliant as circumstances would permit . The day preceding that set for the wedding Violet was so ill -- so nervous and prostrated by her increasing dread and sense of wrong as the fatal hour drew near -- that she did not rise until noon , while it was nearly evening before she felt able to grant Vane an interview which he particularly requested . He startled back appalled , when , as he entered her parlor , she turned her wan , colorless face toward him . `` You are ill ! I had no idea that you were so sick ! ''