a quarter before
eleven
`` No , mamma , '' said Julia ; `` Alfred was to call for Edward ; because our house was on the way . '' `` Are you sure , my child ? '' asked Mrs. Dodd very gravely . `` Oh yes , mamma , '' said Julia , beginning to tremble ; `` at a quarter before eleven : I heard them settle it . '' The matter was terribly serious now ; indeed , it began to look hopeless . Weather overclouded : rain-drops falling ; and hard upon twelve o'clock . They all looked at one another in despair .