quarter to six
Visits and visitors were alike forbidden to her . On no consideration was she to venture out alone . In spite of all his precautions , however , love has many arts and wiles which defy all opposition , and which can outplot the deepest of plotters . Eccleston Square was by no means in a direct line between Kensington and the City , yet morning and evening , as sure as the clock pointed to half-past nine and to quarter to six , Tom would stride through the old-fashioned square and past the grim house , whose grimness was softened to his eyes through its association with the bright dream of his life . It was but the momentary glance of a sweet face at the upper window and a single wave of a white hand , but it sent him on with a fresh heart and courage , and it broke the dull monotony of her dreary life . Occasionally , as we have seen , he even managed to find his way into the interior of this ogre 's castle , in which his fair princess was immured . John Girdlestone put an end to this by ordering that business messages should never under any circumstances be conveyed to his private residence .