a quarter to seven
She reached the palace again in time to dress for dinner . Somewhere on that excursion she had left the letter , to be sent to its destination over the border by special messenger that night . Prince Ferdinand William Otto , at the moment of her return , was preparing for bed . At a quarter to seven he had risen , bowed to Miss Braithwaite , said good-night , and disappeared toward his bedroom and his waiting valet . But a moment later he reappeared . `` I beg your pardon , '' he said , `` but I think your watch is fast . '' Miss Braithwaite consulted it .