midnight
Snow fell on that day . In the Channel Islands a frosty winter is uncommon , and a fall of snow is an event . On that Christmas morning , the road which skirts the seashore from St. Peter 's Port to the Vale was clothed in white . From midnight till the break of day the snow had been falling . Towards nine o'clock , a little after the rising of the wintry sun , as it was too early yet for the Church of England folks to go to St. Sampson 's , or for the Wesleyans to repair to Eldad Chapel , the road was almost deserted . Throughout that portion of the highway which separates the first from the second tower , only three foot-passengers could be seen . These were a child , a man , and a woman .