a quarter to twelve
Lucy showed off her attainments with her usual self-satisfaction . They were what might be expected from a second-rate old-fashioned young ladies ' school , where nothing was good but the French pronunciation . She was evidently considered a great proficient , and her glib mediocrity was even more disheartening than the ungracious carelessness or dulness -- there was no knowing which -- that made her sister figure wretchedly in the examination . However , there was little time -- the door-bell rang at a quarter to twelve , and Mrs. Wolfe was in the drawing-room . ` I told you so , ' whispered Lucy , exultingly . ` This is unbearable , ' cried Albinia . ` I shall give notice that I am always engaged in the morning . '