a quarter to nine
On one side sat her daughter , Lady Grace Redford , tall , fair , and comely ; on the other , Miss Penelope Morse . The two girls were amusing themselves , watching the people ; their chaperon had her eye upon the clock . `` To dine at half-past seven , '' the Duchess remarked , as she looked around the _ entresol _ of the great restaurant through her lorgnettes , `` is certainly a little trying for one 's temper and for one 's digestion , but so long as those men accepted , I certainly think they ought to have been here . They know that the play begins at a quarter to nine . '' `` It is n't like Dicky Vanderpole in the least , '' Penelope said . `` Since he began to tread the devious paths of diplomacy , he has brought exactness in the small things of life down to a fine art . '' `` He is n't half so much fun as he used to be , '' Lady Grace declared .