a quarter to twelve before
This swelled the crowd beyond its usual proportions , as both ladies were well known in society . The General was a kindly-looking old man -LRB- Frank recognized his name as soon as he heard it that morning , though he had never met him before -RRB- and conversed cheerily with his brother magistrates as they took their seats . The Rector was -- well , like other rectors , and the Squire like other squires . * * * * * It was a quarter to twelve before the ladies ' claims were adjusted . They were both admonished in a paternal kind of way , and sent about their business , since there was disputed evidence as to whether or not the lady with the bandage had provoked the attack , not only by her language , but by throwing a banana-skin at the lady without the bandage . They were well talked to , their husbands were bidden to keep them in order , and they departed , both a little crestfallen , to discuss the whole matter over a pint of beer . There was a little shifting about in court ; a policeman , looking curiously human without his helmet , pushed forward from the door and took his place by the little barrier .