a quarter to four
And when he had done it , he rather wondered the idea had never struck him before . Our heroes meanwhile were busy with their own lists , which , under Dick 's guiding influence , rapidly filled up with a set of good names . When it came to their own Form they agreed that , being a `` Firm '' and all `` in it , '' they were entitled each of them to vote for the `` Firm '' as a body ; which they did amid much mutual rejoicing . At a quarter to four the big Hall began to fill . Everybody was there . Fellows who were on the list , sanguine , anxious , touchy ; fellows who were not on the list , cross , sarcastic , righteous . Nearly every one had his paper in his hand , which he furtively glanced through for the last time before the summons to deposit it in the basket on the platform .