a quarter to twelve o'clock
But he heard nothing that concerned him from either again , though he waited until their steps and voices were lost in the distance . The cool air was pleasant about his bare temples , and Mr. Paul Dangerfield waited a while longer , and listened , for any sound of footsteps approaching from the village , but none such was audible ; and beginning to feel a little chilly , he entered his domicile again , shut the hall-door , and once more found himself in the little parlour of the Brass Castle . His housekeeper heard his harsh voice barking down the passage at her , and rising with a start from her seat , cried , ` At your service , Sir . ' ` At a quarter to twelve o'clock fetch me a sandwich , and a glass of absynthe , and meanwhile , do n't disturb me . ' And she heard him enter his little parlour , and shut the door . ` There 's something to vex , but nothing to threaten -- nothing . It 's all that comical dream -- curse it !