noon
Yet how much had occurred , pursued Miranda , and how many things hoped and longed for had not occurred , and how time had dragged ! At those words Flora saw Anna 's glance steal over to Miranda . But Miranda did not observe , and the five chatted on . How terrifying , at still noon of the last Sabbath -- everybody in church -- had been that explosion of the powder-mill across the river . The whole business blown to dust . Nothing but the bare ground left . Happily no workmen there .