noon
A bounding sense that a way of escape was provided from all her troubles , such as she had when her mother died , came upon her . Years before , an unknown workman in South Boston , casting an iron pillar upon its core , had suffered it to `` float '' a little , a very little more , till the thin , unequal side cooled to the measure of an eighth of an inch . That man had provided Asenath 's way of escape . She went out at noon with her luncheon , and found a place upon the stairs , away from the rest , and sat there awhile , with her eyes upon the river , thinking . She could not help wondering a little , after all , why God need to have made her so unlike the rest of his fair handiwork . Del came bounding by , and nodded at her carelessly . Two young Irish girls , sisters , -- the beauties of the mill , -- magnificently colored creatures , -- were singing a little love-song together , while they tied on their hats to go home .