quarter to two
What time was it ? '' `` Time for him to go home , '' declared Bob , but Patty said that was not the right answer . `` Springtime , '' guessed Mabel , `` because the man was in such a good humor . '' `` No , '' said Patty , `` it was quarter to two . '' Her hearers looked utterly blank at this , and , suddenly realising that they were not very familiar with American coins , Patty explained the joke . They saw it , of course , but seemed to think it not very good , and Sinclair whimsically insisted on calling it , `` a shilling to Bob , '' which he said was equally nonsensical . `` Give us one of your poetry ones , Grandy , '' said Bob to Mrs. Cromarty , who sat by , quietly enjoying the young people 's fun .