a quarter to
six
`` I told him that Mr. Hurst had not come home yet , and he said he would wait for him in the study and write some letters ; so I showed him into the study and shut the door . '' `` What happened next ? '' `` Nothing . Then Mr. Hurst came home at his usual time -- a quarter to six -- and let himself in with his key . He went straight through into the study , where I supposed Mr. Bellingham still was , so I took no notice , but laid the table for two . At six o'clock Mr. Hurst came into the dining-room -- he has tea in the City and dines at six -- and when he saw the table laid for two he asked the reason . I said I thought Mr. Bellingham was staying to dinner . ''