A quarter to four
For he was in one of those moods when the entire consciousness is so intently directed towards some end that , outside this end , nothing has colour or vitality : all that has previously impressed and interested one , has no more solidity than papier mache . Meanwhile she spoke on , and did not appear to notice how time was flying . He was forced at length to take out his watch , and exclaim , in feigned surprise , at the hour . `` A quarter to four already ! '' `` Is it so late ? '' But on seeing his disturbance , she added : `` It will be all right . Louise was never punctual in her life . ''