a quarter to ten
Their conversation kept returning to the fraternities . There was n't much else to talk about . Before to-night they had done complete justice to all other topics -- Joralemon , Bennie Rusk , Joe Jordan 's engagement , Adelaide Benner , and symphony concerts . Gertie embroidered , patted her hair , smoothed her waist , looked cheerful , rocked , and spoke ; embroidered , patted her hair , smoothed her sleeve , looked amiable , rocked , and spoke -- embroidered , pat -- At a quarter to ten Carl gave himself permission to go . Said he : `` I 'll have to get on the job pretty early to-morrow . Not much taking it easy here in New York , the way you can in Joralemon , eh ? So I guess I 'd better -- '' `` I 'm sorry you have to go so early . ''