a quarter to five
As they drew near the Pont des Arts Rodolphe said to his companion -- `` I must leave you , not having sufficient to pay the toll . '' `` Nonsense , '' said the other , catching hold of Rodolphe and throwing two sous to the toll keeper . `` This is the right moment , '' thought the editor of `` The Scarf of Iris , '' as they crossed the bridge . Arrived at the further end in front of the clock of the Institute , Rodolphe stopped short , pointed to the dial with a despairing gesture , and exclaimed : -- `` Confound it all , a quarter to five ! I am done for . '' `` What is the matter ? '' cried his astonished friend .