a quarter to seven
But it was soon to be put an end to now . As he drew near the Vicarage gate he met the fat Welsh servant girl Betty running towards him . Then hope left Geoffrey . The girl recognised him , and in her confusion did not seem in the least astonished to see him walking there at a quarter to seven on a summer morning . Indeed , even she vaguely connected Geoffrey with Beatrice in her mind , for she at once said in her thick English : `` Oh , sir , do you know where Miss Beatrice is ? '' `` No , '' he answered , catching at a railing for support . `` Why do you ask ?