a quarter to ten precisely
Nevertheless , a crowd hung about all day in front of the Mayor 's house , nor dispersed until long after nightfall . At eight o'clock next morning they reassembled , word having flown through the town that Dr. Hansombody and Lawyer Chinn had been summoned soon after daybreak to a private conference . At eight-thirty the Vicar arrived and entered the house , Scipio admitting him with ceremony and at once shutting the door behind him with an elaborate show of caution . But at a quarter to ten precisely the door opened again and the great man himself stood on the threshold . He wore civilian dress , and carried a three-caped travelling cloak on his left arm . His right hand grasped a valise . The sight of the crowd for a moment seemed to discompose him .