noon
Jeanne had spent a sorrowful time within her own soul , though she strove to be outwardly cheerful . June was upon them in all its glory and richness . Sunshine scattered golden rays and made a clarified atmosphere that dazzled . The river with rosy fogs in the morning , the quivering breath of noon when spirals of yellow light shot up , changing tints and pallors every moment , the softer purplish coloring as the sun began to drop behind the tree tops , illuminating the different shades of green and intensifying the birches until one could imagine them white-robed ghosts . The sails on the river , the rambles in the woods , were Jeanne 's delight once more , and with so charming a companion as M. St. Armand , her cup seemed full of joy . At times the thought of her lonely mother haunted her . Yet what a dreary life it must be that had robbed her of every semblance of youth and set stern lines in her face , that had uprooted the sweetest human love !