a quarter to
twelve
Monsieur de Ronquerolles had no sooner said the words than he perceived the horrible blunder he had committed in making such a speech before Mademoiselle de Nucingen . He colored high , -- a most unusual sign in him , -- and the solemn silence which seemed to wrap all present completed his discomfiture . `` This clock must be slow , '' said the minister , catching at any words that would make a sound and break up an evening that was ending unfortunately . `` True , '' said de Ronquerolles , looking at his watch ; `` it is a quarter to twelve . '' He bowed to Madame de Rastignac ceremoniously , and went away , followed by the rest of the company . `` You saw his embarrassment , '' said Rastignac to his wife ; `` he had no malicious intention in what he said . '' `` It is of no consequence .