a quarter to
twelve
` May I , may I experiment ? ' he said boldly . There came a tap on the door . ` Bless me , ' said the vicar , taking out his watch , ` it is a quarter to twelve . ` Yes , yes , Mrs Lawford , ' he trotted round to the door . ` We are beginning to see light -- a ray ! ' ` But I -- I can see in the dark , ' whispered Lawford , as if at a cue , turning with an inscrutable smile to the fire .