weekday noon
I ca n't think as it usened to smell so . '' Here and there a sallow , begrimed face looked out from a gloomy doorway at the strangers , and increased Eppie 's uneasiness , so that it was a longed-for relief when they issued from the alleys into Shoe Lane , where there was a broader strip of sky . `` Dear heart ! '' said Silas , `` why , there 's people coming out o ' the Yard as if they 'd been to chapel at this time o ' day -- a weekday noon ! '' Suddenly he started and stood still with a look of distressed amazement , that alarmed Eppie . They were before an opening in front of a large factory , from which men and women were streaming for their midday meal . `` Father , '' said Eppie , clasping his arm , `` what 's the matter ? ''