a quarter to three
Oncle Jazon 's elbow was tired and the enthusiasm generated by his unrecognized Bergonzi became fitful , while the relaxing crowd rapidly encroached upon the space set apart for the dancers . In the open lamps suspended here and there the oil was running low , and the rag wicks sputtered and winked with their yellow flames . `` Well , '' said M. Roussillon , coming to where Alice and Beverley stood insulated and isolated by their great delight in each other 's company , `` it 's time to go home . '' Beverley looked at his watch ; it was a quarter to three ! Alice also looked at the watch , and saw engraved and enameled on its massive case the Beverley crest , but she did not know what it meant . There was something of the sort in the back of her locket , she remembered with satisfaction . Just then there was a peculiar stir in the flagging crowd .