ten o'clock
Peak was conscious of positive ideals by no means inconsistent with Christian teaching , and in his official capacity these alone would direct him . He spent his evening pleasantly , often laughing as he recalled a phrase or gesture of the Rev. Bruno 's . In the night fell a sprinkling of snow , and when the sun rose it gleamed from a sky of pale , frosty blue . At ten o'clock Godwin set out for his usual walk , choosing the direction of the Old Tiverton Road . It was a fortnight since he had passed the Warricombes ' house . At present he was disposed to indulge the thoughts which a sight of it would make active . He had begun the ascent of the hill when the sound of an approaching vehicle caused him to raise his eyes -- they were generally fixed on the ground when he walked alone .