a quarter to three
`` If you will come in a bit before three , I 'll put you where you can see and hear everything that takes place . '' `` I 'll do it ! '' said Harleston . Harleston returned at a quarter to three , and Ranleigh showed him into the small room at the rear , provided with every facility for seeing what went on and overhearing and reducing what was said in the Superintendent 's private office . Promptly at three , Mrs. Winton was announced by appointment , and was instantly admitted . She was about thirty years of age , slender , with dark hair and a face just missing beauty . She was gowned in black , with a bunch of violets at her waist , and she wore a large mesh veil , through which her particularly fine dark eyes sparkled discriminatingly .