midday
`` 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 ? '' But she had to speak again and again before Silas could answer her . `` It 's gone , child , '' he said , at last , in strong agitation -- `` Lantern Yard 's gone .