quarter past one
The china on it matched so decorously . It was an alluring looking lunch -- crisp curled hearts of celery , a glowing bit of currant jelly in a glass compote , half of a delectably browned chicken surrounded by cress , and set in a silver frame was a custard cup filled with the creamiest looking custard that inspired hands had ever snatched from the oven at the psychological moment . It was quarter of one when the sedate nurse left the tray on the desk . At quarter past one Felicia fastened a glove button and sighed . Babiche 's eyes were pleading . At quarter of two Felicia finished a Jacob 's ladder in a long purple stocking . Babiche was sitting up and begging with her paws crossed .