a quarter to
twelve
Mrs. Wells knows what she must do . I have told her . If she does this , she will be safe . If not -- '' His eyes were inexpressibly tragic , and at this moment the neighboring chimes resounded musically through the quiet sanitarium -- _ a quarter to twelve ! _ When Seraphine led Captain Herrick into the bedroom where Penelope lay propped up against pillows , her dark hair in braids and a Chinese embroidered scarf brightening her white garment , it seemed to Christopher that his beloved had never been so adorably beautiful . Gallantly and tenderly he kissed the slim white hand that his lady extended with a brave but pathetic smile .