a quarter past six
I could not see a step before me . Why should Miss Staggles be so willing to help Herod Voltaire , and what were the designs in his mind ? What was his purpose in getting at a correct estimate of Miss Forrest 's character ? I went to the house pondering these things in my mind , and , arriving there , heard the hall clock strike the quarter , from which I knew it was a quarter past six . We were to dine at seven that day , and , as I did not usually make an elaborate toilette , I knew I had plenty of time . I felt I could not go in for a few minutes ; my brain seemed on fire . I turned to take a walk towards the park gates , when I heard a footstep , and turning , saw Simon Slowden .