a quarter to two
`` A garbage can ? Give him a nice slice of roast beef well done and a baked potato . Also bring two cups of coffee and give it the checks to me . '' By a quarter to two Abe and Morris had passed from business matters to family affairs , and after they had exchanged cigars and the conversation had reached a stage where Morris had just accepted an invitation to dine at Abe 's house , Noblestone and Zudrowsky entered , with Harry Federmann bringing up in the rear . Harry was evidently in disfavor , and his weak , blond face wore the crestfallen look of a whipped child , for he had been so occupied with his billing and cooing up town , that he had forgotten his business engagement . `` Hallo , Mr. Perlmutter , '' Noblestone cried , and then he caught sight of Morris ' companion and the remains of their generous meal . `` I thought you was going to take lunch with us . ''