a quarter to seven
The departure , for instance , of the morning mail from the Dublin terminus of the Midland and Great Western Railway is carried through , day after day , with dignity . The hour is an early one , 7 a.m. ; but all the chief officiate of the company are present , tastefully dressed . There is no fuss . Passengers know that it is their duty to be at the station not later than a quarter to seven . If they have any luggage they arrive still earlier , for the porters must not be hustled . At ten minutes to seven the proper officials conduct the passengers to their carriages and pen them in . Lest any one of independent and rebellious spirit should escape , and insist on loitering about the platform , the doors of the compartments are all locked .