a quarter to twelve
`` Where are you going , father ? '' the young woman asked . `` I am going to set about unloading the flour . '' `` Why , it 's only a quarter to twelve , and dinner just ready . The fish went into the frying pan as you came up from the boat . You know we generally dine at half past eleven , but we saw you coming at a distance and put it off . It 's no use your starting now . ''