noon
Renovales was not alone . From time to time groups of visitors passed back and forth between his eyes and the picture , talking loudly . The tread of heavy feet shook the wooden floor . It was noon and the bricklayers from nearby buildings were taking advantage of the noon hour to explore those salons as if it were a new world , delighting in the warm air of the furnaces . As they went , they left footprints of plaster on the floor ; they called out to each other to share their admiration before a picture ; they were impatient to take it all in at a single glance ; they waxed enthusiastic over the warriors in their shining armor or the elaborate uniforms of olden times . The cleverest among them served as guides to their companions , driving them impatiently . They had been there the day before .