a quarter before ten
`` Just time , '' Hillyard answered relentlessly , `` if you will follow me . Joan certainly returned here last night -- that I know , as you know . But she was back again in the ball-room at Harrel within a few minutes of ten o'clock . She must have left Mrs. Croyle a quarter before ten -- that , at the latest . '' `` Yes , '' Millie Splay agreed . `` Well , I have myself crossed Putney Bridge after leaving here , within ten minutes under the two hours . And that in the daytime .