a quarter to
eleven
But Alicia had always made him talk of himself , and he had forgotten how agreeable it might be . He threw himself down beside her , and the time passed . Lady Lucy and Miss Falloden had retired into the back drawing-room , where the one knitted and the other gossiped . But as the clock struck a quarter to eleven Lady Lucy called , in some astonishment : `` So you are not going back to the House , Oliver ? '' He sprang to his feet . `` Heavens ! '' He looked at the clock , irresolute .