a quarter to twelve
At length he thought of the strong necessity of living . After a dreary search , the negligence of which was ultimately overcome by mere conscientiousness , he obtained a situation as assistant to an architect in the neighbourhood of Charing Cross : the duties would not begin till after the lapse of a month . He could not at first decide whither he should go to spend the intervening time ; but in the midst of his reasonings he found himself on the road homeward , impelled by a secret and unowned hope of getting a last glimpse of Cytherea there . It was a quarter to twelve when Manston drove into the station-yard . The train was punctual , and the bell , announcing its arrival , rang as he crossed the booking-office to go out upon the platform . The porter who had accompanied Mrs. Manston to Carriford , and had returned to the station on his night duty , recognized the steward as he entered , and immediately came towards him . ` Mrs. Manston came by the nine o'clock train , sir , ' he said .