a quarter past ten
Kneeling on the stone floor , in very much the same attitude as he had found her earlier in the day , Hannah Cox was crouching patiently by the door which led into the boat-house , her face expressionless , her ear turned towards the crack . She was still listening . Hamel set down the lamp upon the table . He glanced at the little clock upon the dresser ; it was a quarter past ten . The woman had observed his entrance , although it seemed in no way to have discomposed her . `` Do you know the time , Mrs. Cox ? '' he asked .