a quarter past eight
The landlady told them that Signor Carella had called on Miss Abbott to say good-bye , but she , though in , had not been able to see him . She also told them that it had begun to rain . Harriet sighed , but indicated to her brother that he was not responsible . The carriages came round at a quarter past eight . It was not raining much , but the night was extraordinarily dark , and one of the drivers wanted to go slowly to the station . Miss Abbott came down and said that she was ready , and would start at once . `` Yes , do , '' said Philip , who was standing in the hall .