quarter before five
The most that could be said was that an `` understanding '' existed , to the effect that it would take place on his return . And Canning , for his part , was not dissatisfied with this arrangement . In ten days he would come again , and take the wavering outposts by storm . They said good-bye in the drawing-room at home , at quarter before five . Cally held out her slender little hand . Hugo smiled down at it : surely , between him and her , an odd farewell . But then , as his clasp tightened , the man 's smile became a little twisted on his handsome lip .