a quarter to nine
She was conscious of her mother , up-stairs . From her place of meditation she had to crawl up the many steps to the flat and answer at least twenty questions as to what she had been doing . Of Walter 's coming she could say nothing ; she could not admit her interest in a man she did not know . At a quarter to nine she ventured to say , ever so casually : `` I feel sort of headachy . I think I 'll run down and sit on the steps again and get a little fresh air . '' `` Let 's have a little walk . I 'd like some fresh air , too , '' said Mrs. Golden , brightly .