a quarter past one
And girls ! Do n't forget -- borrow everything you can , and look stunning ! '' Stillness reigned in the study hall : stillness save for the occasional rattle of a book , or the falling of a pen or pencil from careless fingers . The large clock at the back of the room ticked regularly , and its hands pointed to a quarter past one . At the desk Fraulein Herrmann sat , her watchful eyes roaming over the assemblage in search of idleness or disorder . Only a moment before her stentorian tones had rung forth , much to the annoyance of two girls who came under her supervision . `` Emma - _ line _ and Jassa - _ mine _ Brown may report at the desk at the end of the period . ''