A quarter to nine
`` I offer my compliments , and if ever you are ruined , Monsieur , I will promise you a place in our police . Only one caution , -- take care not to overdo your part . '' `` Right . A quarter to nine ; I 'm off . '' There is generally a brisk exhilaration of spirits in the return to any special amusement or light accomplishment associated with the pleasant memories of earlier youth ; and remarkably so , I believe , when the amusement or accomplishment has been that of the amateur stage-player . Certainly I have known persons of very grave pursuits , of very dignified character and position , who seem to regain the vivacity of boyhood when disguising look and voice for a part in some drawing-room comedy or charade . I might name statesmen of solemn repute rejoicing to raise and to join in a laugh at their expense in such travesty of their habitual selves .