a quarter to three
The Band of Hope meeting was to begin at three . His family received with complete indifference his complaint of sudden agonising toothache at half-past two , of acute rheumatism at twenty-five to three , and of a touch of liver -LRB- William considered this a heaven-set inspiration . It was responsible for many of his father 's absences from work -RRB- at twenty to three . At a quarter to three he was ready in the hall . `` I 'm sure you 'll enjoy it , William , '' said Mrs. Brown soothingly . `` I expect you 'll all play games and have quite a good time . '' William treated her with silent contempt .