a quarter to three
Already the fear engendered myopia of the morning was passing from Bower 's eyes . The passage of arms with Millicent had done him good . He saw now that if he meant to win Helen he must fight for her . Glancing at his watch , he found that the time was a quarter to three . He opened a window in his sitting room , which was situated in the front of the hotel . By leaning out he could survey the carriage stand at the foot of the long flight of steps . A pair-horse vehicle was drawn up there , and men were fastening portly dress baskets in the baggage carrier over the hind wheels .