a quarter to nine
`` I -- I -- locked it in case burglars should get in while I was opening the front door , '' stammered Firmin . The millionaire turned the key , opened the door , and went into the hall . Germaine followed him . She threw off her dripping coat , and said with some heat : `` I ca n't conceive why you did n't make sure that there was a train at a quarter to nine . I will not go to Paris to-night . Nothing shall induce me to take that midnight train ! '' `` Nonsense ! ''