quarter after ten
A sudden terror came upon her . If by some accident the mine should be prematurely exploded , what then ? But she recollected the cautious man who was to fire it , and the thought quieted her . The bell in a neighboring steeple chimed the quarter after ten . Forty-five minutes only remained , -- barely time , if she hastened her utmost , to reach the Parliament buildings before eleven would ring out upon the air . She was soon ready and hastened toward the door , her trembling fingers scarce able , in their eagerness , to lift the latch . At last they found the cord , but the portal held firmly to its place .