midday
The mill-hands were beginning to understand the meaning of their work , in its relation to their own lives and to the larger economy . And outwardly , also , the new growth was showing itself in the humanized aspect of the place . Amherst 's young maples were tall enough now to cast a shade on the grass-bordered streets ; and the well-kept turf , the bright cottage gardens , the new central group of library , hospital and club-house , gave to the mill-village the hopeful air of a `` rising '' residential suburb . In the bright June light , behind their fresh green mantle of trees and creepers , even the factory buildings looked less stern and prison-like than formerly ; and the turfing and planting of the adjoining river-banks had transformed a waste of foul mud and refuse into a little park where the operatives might refresh themselves at midday . Yes -- Westmore was alive at last : the dead city of which Justine had once spoken had risen from its grave , and its blank face had taken on a meaning . As Justine glanced at her husband she saw that the same thought was in his mind . However achieved , at whatever cost of personal misery and error , the work of awakening and freeing Westmore was done , and that work had justified itself .