noon
A change had taken place in the atmosphere since Bessy and Abe had returned . Here and there green patches could be seen on the hill side , and the distant town presented a view of smoke-blackened roofs that shone , dripping with wet as the sickly ' sun glanced over them . Little or no snow was to be found in the streets , and all the hideous sights stood out once more rejoicing in their naked deformities . The giant engine -- the factory 's heart -- was ceasing to beat once more , in order to allow the workers time to swallow the food necessary to enable them to bear up until noon . The gates were opened , and the crowd swarmed forth , but all seemed instinctively directed to a group at a short distance , whose pallid faces reflected the ghastly sight before them . The group soon swelled to a vast crowd . Enquiries were made on every hand by those in the outer circle -- `` What is it ?