quarter to five
Garstin had cursed , but he had not persisted . Evidently he had realized that persistence would be useless . On the Monday he had received Arabian with frigid hauteur , but soon he had become intent on his work and had apparently forgotten his grievance . Half-past four struck -- then the quarter to five . Garstin had been painting for more than two hours . Now he put down his brush and frowned , still looking at Arabian , who was sitting in an easy , almost casual position , with his magnificent brown throat and shoulders exposed . `` Finished ! ''