noon
Julia simpers , and looks delighted . Then they all rise from the table , and move towards the balcony ; all -- that is -- except Sir Mark , who -LRB- though he would have dearly liked to accompany them into the mystic moonlight -RRB- still lingers behind to bear company with Sir Christopher , and strive to lay the ghost that so plainly is haunting him to-night . Joyously they all descend the steps , and then break into a little run as their feet touch the velvet grass . The sky is bright with pale blue light , the air is soft and warm as sultry noon . A little baby wind -- that ought to be in bed , so sweet and tender it is -- is roaming here and there amongst the flowers , playing with the scented grasses , and losing itself amongst the bracken , lower down . One can hear the roar of the distant ocean breaking itself against the giant rocks ; one can hear , too , in strange contrast , the chirp , chirp of the green grasshopper . As they come within view of the fountain , all their mouths form themselves into many round Os , and they say , `` Ah ! ''