a quarter to six before
`` We can always come back for that next train , '' he said . `` It does n't go for half an hour . '' `` I can not blame myself sufficiently , '' he said for the eighth or ninth time ... . It was already well past a quarter to six before Mr. Brumley bethought himself of the London County Council tramcars that run from the palace gates . Along these an ample four-pennyworth was surely possible and at the end would be taxis -- There _ must _ be taxis . The tram took them -- but oh ! how slowly it seemed !