a quarter past twelve
I felt my thoughts disordered and confused . Before my mental eye swam a mist of manuscript ; before my physical eye rose and fell that gently beating breast . I took out my watch . `` It 's a quarter past twelve , Lucia , '' I said , rising ; `` I must go . '' The girl started to her feet and came in front of me . `` Victor , are you offended at what I said ? '' I looked down at her with a slight smile .