a quarter after ten
We will leave here at half-past ten . '' The captain shaved with extra care that morning , donned spotless linen , including a `` stand-up '' collar -- which he detested -- brushed his frock-coat and his hair with great particularity , and gave Edwards his shoes to clean . He would have shined them himself , as he always did at home , but on a former occasion when he asked for the `` blackin ' kit , '' the butler 's shocked and pained expression led to questions and consequent enlightenment . He was ready by a quarter after ten , but when his niece knocked at his door she bore a message which surprised and troubled him . `` Mrs. Dunn called , '' she said , `` to ask me to go to church with her . I told her I had invited you to accompany me . Would you mind if she joined us ? ''