a quarter to twelve
asked Maurice , and was himself astonished at his boldness . `` Of course I am . My life is a perpetual struggle against suicide , '' answered Krafft . In the distance , a church-clock struck a quarter to twelve , and it was on Maurice 's tongue to suggest that they should move homewards , when , with one of his unexpected transitions , Krafft turned to him and said in a low voice : `` What do you say ? Shall you and I be friends ? '' Maurice hesitated , in some embarrassment . `` Why yes , I should be very glad . ''