about a
quarter to twelve
I am pleased to observe that , although not of an unmilitary bearing , you are apparently shaved . In my calendar of the virtues shaving comes next to drinking . A gentleman may be a low-minded ruffian without sixpence , but he will always be close shaved . See me , with the eye of fancy , in the chill hours of the morning , say about a quarter to twelve , noon -- see me awake ! First thing of all , without one thought of the plausible but unsatisfactory small beer , or the healthful though insipid soda-water , I take the deadly razor in my vacillating grasp ; I proceed to skate upon the margin of eternity . Stimulating thought ! I bleed , perhaps , but with medicable wounds .