a quarter to one
I could understand how the fascination might become an enduring thing ; a great love ; how Ascher would still be drawn to the woman long after the elfishness of girlhood passed away . The soul would still remain gleaming out of those narrow eyes . The clock chimed close beside me . It was a quarter to one . I sat down again , poured out more whisky and lit a fresh cigar . I left all the lights in the room shining . I was determined to drag myself back to the commonplace and to cheerfulness .