a quarter to eight
`` I have just come from Mme de Langeais ' house ; the servants say that she is out . '' `` Then a great misfortune has happened , no doubt , '' returned the Vidame , `` and through your fault . I left the Duchess at your door -- '' `` When ? '' `` At a quarter to eight . '' `` Good evening , '' returned Montriveau , and he hurried home to ask the porter whether he had seen a lady standing on the doorstep that evening . `` Yes , my Lord Marquis , a handsome woman , who seemed very much put out . She was crying like a Magdalen , but she never made a sound , and stood as upright as a post .