a quarter to one
`` Every little bit of me , dear , for ever and ever , '' she answered . They said good night again a few minutes later and a little nearer the house . And again after that . At a quarter to one Wade came to himself after a fashion at the end of the village street , smiling insanely at a white gate-post . With a happy sigh he turned homeward , his hands in his pockets , his head thrown back , and his lips pursed for a tune that forgot to come . A few steps brought him opposite the Doctor 's house and the imp of mischief whispered in his ear . Wade laughed aloud .