a quarter past eleven
For a moment or two he felt that he must open the door , call to her , throw himself upon his knees before her , and confess everything , but at that moment the laughing , mocking face of Bob Dimsted seemed to rise between them , and his words buzzed in his ear -- words that he had often said when listening to some account of Dexter 's troubles -- `` Bother the old lessons , and all on 'em ! I would n't stand it if I was you . They 've no right to order you about , and scold you as they do . '' The weak moments passed , and just then there was the doctor 's cough heard , and the closing of his door , while directly after came the chiming of the church clock -- a quarter past eleven . Half an hour to wait and think , and then good-bye to all his troubles , and the beginning of a new life of freedom ! All the freedom and the future seemed to be behind a black cloud ; but in the fond belief that all would soon grow clear Dexter waited . Half-past eleven , and he wondered that he did not feel sleepy .