About noon
The fair I particularly mention , because on the day on which the circumstances I am about to describe occurred , a fair was held in the town , and upon the green in question . The month was December -- the day stormy and unpropitious . There had been a deep snow and hard frost for nearly three weeks before ; but now the aspect of the white earth contrasted wildly with the large masses of black clouds which hung motionless in the air , and cast a dark and gloomy spirit not only over the appearance of inanimate nature , but into the heart of man himself . About noon , just when the whole fair had been assembled , the storm commenced with wind , sleet , and rain . Never was a more striking or unexpected change produced . Women tucked up , nearly to the knees , their garments , soaked with wet , clinging to their bodies and limbs , as if a part of themselves -- men drenched and buttoned up to the chin -- all splashing through the slippery streets , their shoes spouting with snow-broth -- the falling of tents -- the shouting against the loudness of the storm , in order to be heard -- the bleating of sheep , lowing of cattle , the deafening and wild hum of confused noises -- all , when added to the roaring of the sweeping blast , the merciless pelting of the rain , and the inclement character of the whole day , presented a scene that was tempestuous and desolate beyond belief . Age , decrepid and shivering -- youth , benumbed and stiffened with cold -- rich and poor , man and woman , all had evidently but one object in view , and that was shelter .