a
quarter past ten
At a quarter to ten Mrs. Bindle reluctantly acquiesced in Bindle 's demand for supper . She was clearly anxious , listening intently for the familiar sound of Mr. Gupperduck 's key in the outer door . `` I wonder what could have happened ? '' she said as the clock indicated a quarter past ten and she rose to clear away . `` P'raps ` e 's been took up to ` eaven like that cove wot ` Earty was talkin ' about the other night , '' suggested Bindle . Mrs. Bindle 's sniff intimated that she considered such a remark unworthy of her attention . `` Ah !