a quarter past
nine
` I 've sent down word that I 'm not at home for any one , and I do n't like to make you the only exception . ' ` Oh , I see , ' answered Logotheti 's voice . ` But I 've always wanted to be the only exception . I say , does half-past eight mean a quarter past nine ? ' ` No . It means a quarter past eight , if you like . Good-bye ! '