quarter before four
As I had spent several hours on the lesson the day before , I could do so . After the elocution recitation I went home to lunch . At quarter before two I began studying my history . At quarter before four I started for the gymnasium . At five I went to a tea which one of the girls was giving for her mother , so I felt obliged to go . I stayed only half an hour and can not remember how I spent the half hour till dinner , so I presume it was wasted . I am afraid I am too much given to describing such unimportant pauses in the day 's occupation and magnifying their length and the frivolous pleasure which we thoughtlessly derive from them .