Quarter to seven
I shall soon know how , I 'm in g 's and h 's now . Aunt Esther -- she says I may call her Aunt Esther -- teaches me every day . Ai n't I getting on nicely ? '' `` Oh , yes , you learn very fast , '' said Esther , encouragingly , as she completed the pile of sandwiches she was preparing for the young traveller ; then , turning to look at the timepiece on the mantel , she exclaimed , `` Quarter to seven -- how time flies ! Mr. Balch will soon be here . You must be all ready , Clarence , so as not to keep him waiting a moment . '' Clarence arose from his scarcely tasted meal , began slowly to put on his overcoat , and make himself ready for the journey .