noon
So Ronador 's father had come to the regency of the kingdom and Ronador himself and his little son had stood in the direct line of succession until the ghost arose from the candlestick and mocked them all . And she -- Diane -- was the child of Theodomir . Diane was still dazedly sorting the pieces of the puzzle when the sun set in a red glory beyond the lake , matching the flame of Philip 's fire by which he and the Baron sat in earnest discussion . The west was faintly yellow , the forest dark , when from the tent to which she had retired at noon , quite distraught and incoherent . Aunt Agatha begged plaintively for a cup of tea . `` Diane , '' she said , when the girl herself appeared with it , `` I -- I ca n't forget his face . I -- I never shall .