a quarter to twelve
`` I -- er -- did not exactly open the door . We chatted , through -- er -- through the letter-box , and she left the omelette outside on the landing . '' `` What time would that be ? '' `` It was a quarter to twelve , '' declared Cumberly . `` I had been supping with some friends , and returned to find Helen , my daughter , engaged in preparing the omelette . I congratulated her upon the happy thought , knowing that Leroux was probably starving himself . '' `` I see .