a quarter to two
And always it travelled on a platform of brick arches . Now and then the walled road received a tributary that rounded subtly into it , and this tributary could be seen curving away , on innumerable brick arches , through the chimneypots , and losing itself in a dim horizon of gloom . At intervals a large , lifeless station brought the train to a halt for a moment , and the march was resumed . A clock at one of these stations said a quarter to two . Then the name of Hornsey quickened her apprehensive heart . As she descended nervously from the train , her trunk was shot out from the guard 's van behind . She went and stood over it , until the last of a series of kindly porters came along and touched his cap .