a quarter
to nine
She pecked at his cheek again as he released her ; the cloud of white liberty silk tulle drifted away from the doorway and left it a blank . Mr. Van Ostend closed the door ; came back to the hearth ; stood there , his arms folded tightly over his chest , his head bowed . For a few minutes neither man spoke . When the clock on the mantel chimed a quarter to nine , Father Honoré made a movement to go . Mr. Van Ostend turned quickly to him and put out a detaining hand . `` May I ask if you are going to continue the search this evening ; it 's a bad night . '' `` Yes ; I 've had the feeling that , after he has been so long in hiding , he 'll have to come out -- he must be at the end of his strength .