a quarter
past eight
He had never been the lover of a lady , and his heart was aflame . Soon after the men parted in the street , and Frank went from them , fearful of his lonely rooms , and longing for his friends at Southwick . He lunched every day at the Gaiety , and he at length succeeded in persuading Lizzie to come to Reading with him . Town was miserably Sunday when he drove up to Paddington at a quarter past eight . `` If it should rain , if it should turn out a pouring wet day , what should I do ? That would be too terrible ! '' He felt the boat alive beneath his oars , the river placid and gentle , and all the charm of the rushes , the cedars , the locks , and the blonde beautiful girl in the stern with the parasol he had bought her aslant .