a quarter to ten
`` I hope nothing has happened to him , '' remarked Mrs. Bindle a little anxiously . `` No fear o ' that , '' replied Bindle regretfully . `` Things do n't ` appen to men like Gupperduck ; still it 's funny ` im missin ' a meal , '' he added . At a quarter to ten Mrs. Bindle reluctantly acquiesced in Bindle 's demand for supper . She was clearly anxious , listening intently for the familiar sound of Mr. Gupperduck 's key in the outer door . `` I wonder what could have happened ? '' she said as the clock indicated a quarter past ten and she rose to clear away .