a quarter to three
He knew that things would not go on for long like this , and felt that the Provincial would sooner or later summon him to the long room at the end of the corridor upon the upper floor . This call came to him three weeks after the day when the two men had met in the garden -- nine weeks after the Englishman 's captivity had commenced . `` My son , '' said the sub-prior one afternoon , `` the Father Provincial wishes to speak with you to-day at three . '' Christian glanced up at the great monastery clock , which declared the time to be a quarter to three . `` I am ready , '' he said quietly . There was no tremor in his voice or light in his eyes , and he continued walking leisurely by the side of the old monk ; but a sudden thrill of pleasant anticipation warmed his heart . A little later they entered the monastery and mounted the stone stairs together .