noon
The colour of her cheek heightened slightly as Vaughan , with the accustomed gallantry of the day , pressed her hand to his lips , and especially as his eyes met hers with a glance of admiration in them which her beauty had inspired . Truly , Cicely Layton was a maiden formed in nature 's most perfect mould -- at least , so thought Vaughan Audley . Gilbert also considered her a very sweet girl , though not equal in all respects to his sister Lettice , who was fairer and somewhat taller and more graceful ; but then Gilbert always declared that Lettice was perfection itself . Having delivered certain messages she had brought from Plymouth for her father , Cicely addressed a few remarks to the young gentlemen ; then , saying that she must go to prepare for serving up the dinner , which , as it was near noon , ought soon to be on the table , she dropped a courtesy and left the room . Each time the door opened , Vaughan turned his eyes in that direction , expecting to see Mistress Cicely enter ; but first came a waiting-maid to spread a damask table-cloth of snowy whiteness , and then came Barnaby Toplight with knives and forks ; then Becky came back with plates . `` This must be she , '' thought Vaughan ; but no -- it was Barnaby again with a huge covered dish , followed by Becky with other viands . At length the door again opened , and Mistress Cicely tripped in , her riding-dress laid aside .