a
quarter to eleven
Art alone is deity -- '' `` And Luigia is its prophet ! '' added Sallenauve . Never , perhaps , had the Italian opera-house in London presented a more brilliant sight ; the whole audience was in a transport of enthusiasm , and bouquets fairly rained upon the stage . As they left the theatre , Bricheteau looked at his watch ; it was a quarter to eleven ; they had thus ample time to take the steamer leaving , as the tide served , at midnight . But when the organist turned to make this remark to Sallenauve , who was behind him , he saw nothing of his man ; the deputy had vanished ! Ten minutes later the maid of the Signora Luigia entered her mistress 's dressing-room , which was filled with distinguished Englishmen presented by Sir Francis Drake to the new star , and gave her a card . On reading the name the prima donna turned pale and whispered a few words to the waiting-woman ; then she seemed so anxious to be rid of the crowd who were pressing round her that her budding adorers were inclined to be angry .