five minutes to ten
`` But , '' she protested , dazzled by the sheer , beautiful , impertinence of it , `` Maurice , I ca n't -- I wo n't -- I -- '' `` You _ will _ , '' he said . `` To-morrow 's Saturday , '' he added , practically , `` and there 's no school , so you 're free . '' He rose ... `` Better leave a letter for your aunt . I 'll be here at five minutes to ten . Be ready ! '' He paused and looked hard at her ; caught her roughly in his arms , kissed her on her mouth , and walked out of the room . The mere violence of it lifted her into the Great Adventure !