a quarter to
twelve
Insarov read Elena 's note , and at once began to set his room to rights ; asked his landlady to take away the medicine-glasses , took off his dressing-gown and put on his coat . His head was swimming and his heart throbbing from weakness and delight . His knees were shaking ; he dropped on to the sofa , and began to look at his watch . ` It 's now a quarter to twelve , ' he said to himself . ` She can never come before twelve : I will think of something else for a quarter of an hour , or I shall break down altogether . Before twelve she can not possibly come . ' The door was opened , and in a light silk gown , all pale , all fresh , young and joyful , Elena came in , and with a faint cry of delight she fell on his breast .