twenty past ten
Then he put them aside and gazed thoughtfully at the lid of the box , speckled with louse marks , and asked vaguely : -- How much is the clock fast now ? His mother straightened the battered alarm clock that was lying on its side in the middle of the mantelpiece until its dial showed a quarter to twelve and then laid it once more on its side . -- An hour and twenty-five minutes , she said . The right time now is twenty past ten . The dear knows you might try to be in time for your lectures . -- Fill out the place for me to wash , said Stephen . -- Katey , fill out the place for Stephen to wash .