a quarter
past ten
Her door opened upon the landing , it is the first door upon the left hand side as you mount the stairs ; the big drawing-room opens on to the landing too , but faces the stairs . Mrs. Lashley at once went to that room , knowing how late Mr. Mardale is used to sit over his inventions , and as she expected , found him there . A search was at once arranged ; every servant in the house was at once impressed , and in the morning every servant on the estate . Major Lashley had left the stable at a quarter past ten . He has been seen by no one since . '' Sir Charles reflected upon this story . `` There is a pond in front of the house , '' said he .