midday
He went to where the parlor fireplace would be , and stared at the grass and stones , wondering what it would be like to watch the fire flickering on the new hearth . Then he looked over toward the Hudson , and saw the green woods on Union Hill and the top of a white sail over the high river-bank . He hoped that no one would build a large house between him and the river . He lingered so long that the smoke of midday dinners was arising from Greenwich Village when he turned back toward town . When he reached the Commons on his homeward way he came across a knot of idlers who were wasting the hour of the noontide meal in gaping at the unfinished municipal building . They were admiringly critical . One man was vociferously enthusiastic .