a quarter to three
There were , in addition , presents consisting of twenty-four pieces of silk and a thousand strings of good cash to be allotted to the nurses , and waiting-maids , in the apartments of dowager lady Chia , madame Wang and of the respective sisters ; while Chia Chen , Chia Lien , Chia Huan , Chia Jung and the rest had , every one , for presents , a piece of silk , and a pair of gold and silver ingots . As regards the other gifts , there were a hundred rolls of various coloured silks , a thousand ounces of pure silver , and several bottles of imperial wine , intended to be bestowed upon all the men-servants of the mansions , on the East and the West , as well as upon those who had been in the garden overseeing works , arranging the decorations , and in waiting to answer calls , and upon those who looked after the theatres and managed the lanterns . There being , besides , five hundred strings of pure cash for the cooks , waiters , jugglers and hundreds of actors and every kind of domestic . The whole party had finished giving expression to their thanks for her bounty , when the managers and eunuchs respectfully announced : `` It is already a quarter to three , and may it please your Majesty to turn back your imperial chariot ; '' whereupon , much against her will , the Chia consort 's eyes brimmed over , and she once more gave vent to tears . Forcing herself however again to put on a smile , she clasped old lady Chia 's and madame Wang 's hands , and could not bring herself to let them go ; while she repeatedly impressed upon their minds : that there was no need to give way to any solicitude , and that they should take good care of their healths ; that the grace of the present emperor was so vast , that once a month he would grant permission for them to enter the palace and pay her a visit . `` It is easy enough for us to see each other , '' -LRB- she said , -RRB- `` and why should we indulge in any excess of grief ? But when his majesty in his heavenly generosity allows me another time to return home , you should n't go in for such pomp and extravagance . ''