a quarter to six
`` Has n't William Smallbury been to Casterbridge ? '' `` Yes , ma'am , but he 's not yet come home . He promised to be back by six . '' `` It wants a quarter to six at present , '' said Bathsheba , looking at her watch . `` I daresay he 'll be in directly . Well , now then '' -- she looked into the book -- `` Joseph Poorgrass , are you there ? '' `` Yes , sir -- ma'am I mane , '' said the person addressed .