noon
He turned his head and looked wistfully at the distance it would have to travel before it would be afternoon . The nurse brought the screen and placed it about the bed -- the last service she could render . For hours the end was expected , but moment by moment he held death at bay , refusing to accept the freedom that he so earnestly longed for . At noon the sky became overcast and the slow falling of rain was heard on the low wooden roof . But still his fervent eyes watched the sun-dial . At last the sound of _ geta _ was heard without , and in a moment O Sana San slipped past the screen and dropped on her knees beside him . Under one arm was tightly held a small white kitten , her final offering at the shrine of love .