quarter past seven
`` Better than I need , '' was Tom 's answer , delivered somewhat roughly . `` After the injustice done me yesterday , it does not much matter how I get on . '' Hamish turned himself round to the fire , and said no more , neither attempting to console nor remonstrate . Charles 's ears were listening for the quarter past seven , and , the moment it chimed out , he left his work , took his trencher from the hall , and departed , saying nothing to any one . He went along whistling , past Dr. Gardner 's house , past the deanery ; they and the cathedral tower , rising above them , looked grey in the moonlight . He picked up a stone and sent it right into one of the elm trees ; some of the birds , disturbed from their roost , flew out , croaking , over his head . In the old days of superstition it might have been looked upon as an evil omen , coupled with what was to follow .