half after ten
All he could do was to watch . Sometimes they laughed , sometimes they became grave ; sometimes they explained , and their guest grew very attentive Once she even leaned forward eagerly . It was about this time that our jehu chanced to look at the clock on the mantel , and immediately concluded to vacate the premises . It was half after ten . He returned to his box forthwith . -LRB- I was going to use the word `` alacrity , '' but I find that it means `` cheerful readiness . '' -RRB- After what seemed to him an interminable wait , the front door opened and a flood of light blinded him .