a quarter to nine
It was a very bright morning ; he drew up the blind and let a flood of sunshine into the room . Contrary to his expectations , no despondency weighed upon him ; by breakfast time he was more than usually cheerful . `` Ivy , '' he said to his niece , `` I have promised to call at the Quarriers ' on our way . We had better start at a quarter to nine ; that will give us five minutes with them . '' Of his brother he took leave with much cordiality . William would probably not be much longer at Highmead , and might perhaps join his relatives abroad before the end of the year . In that case , Ivy would accompany him ; and she thought with timid pleasure of thus renewing her friendship with Serena under brighter skies .