a quarter past eight
What an opportunity this was for him to lose ! Colligan so evidently wished to be bribed -- so clearly showed what the price was which was to purchase him . But still he could not ask the fatal question . Again he sat silent for a while , till he looked at his watch , and found it was a quarter past eight . `` Never fear , '' he said , referring to the farm ; `` you shall have it , and it shall not be the worst land on the estate that I 'll give you , you may be sure ; for , upon my soul , I have a great regard for you ; I have indeed . '' The doctor thanked him for his good opinion . `` Oh !