a quarter to seven
said Elizabeth ; ` is he the little red-haired wretch who used to pester me about dancing all last year ? ' ` No , no , ' said Katherine , ` that was Mr. Adolphus Mills , his brother , who is gone to be clerk to an attorney somewhere . This is Mr. Augustus , a very fine young man , and so clever , Willie says , and he has most beautiful curling black hair . ' ` It wants a quarter to seven now , ' said Elizabeth , ` and the sky is most beautifully clear , at last . Do you like the thoughts of this lecture , Anne ? ' ` I should like to go very much indeed , ' said Anne ; ` but first I must go and seal and send some letters for Mamma , so I must depart while you finish your tea . ' So saying , she left the room .