a quarter to eight
I am coming to the ladies . Entering Mr. Farnaby 's private residence on the appointed day , I became acquainted with one more of the innumerable insincerities of modern English life . When a man asks you to dine with him at seven o'clock , in other countries , he means what he says . In England , he means half-past seven , and sometimes a quarter to eight . At seven o'clock I was the only person in Mr. Farnaby 's drawing-room . At ten minutes past seven , Mr. Farnaby made his appearance . I had a good mind to take his place in the middle of the hearth-rug , and say , `` Farnaby , I am glad to see you . ''