a quarter to ten
THE TEMPTATION OF SAMUEL BURGE -LSB- Illustration : `` The Temptation of Samuel Burge . '' -RSB- Mr. Higgs , jeweller , sat in the small parlour behind his shop , gazing hungrily at a supper-table which had been laid some time before . It was a quarter to ten by the small town clock on the mantelpiece , and the jeweller rubbing his hands over the fire tried in vain to remember what etiquette had to say about starting a meal before the arrival of an expected guest . `` He must be coming by the last train after all , sir , '' said the housekeeper entering the room and glancing at the clock . `` I suppose these London gentlemen keep such late hours they do n't understand us country folk wanting to get to bed in decent time . You must be wanting your supper , sir . ''