a quarter to five
No word or look of hers was likely to pass unnoticed in that last precious few minutes , though they all sat down together , and tried to talk of indifferent matters as if there had been the least possibility , just then , of any other thought than that of parting . After a short time , Maurice rose . `` I must give my father the last hour , '' he said , `` and the boat is due at six . '' `` But it does not ever leave before seven , '' Lucia answered , `` and it is still a quarter to five . '' `` I have to meet it when it comes in . Mr. Bellairs is coming home by it , and I have various affairs to settle with him . '' He looked at her as he said `` Mr. Bellairs is coming , '' but there was no tell-tale change in her face ; she had for the moment utterly forgotten Mr. Percy .