twenty minutes to twelve
It was clear to Geoffrey 's eye that Dacre was suffering under some heavy fear or despondency that quelled his excitement . There was a look in his face of tense expectancy that was pitiful to his friend . `` The King was to have been here at eleven , '' said Geoffrey to him at last . `` It is now twenty minutes to twelve . Can anything have happened , Dacre ? '' Dacre looked at him reproachfully ; but only shook his head , without a smile . Geoffrey walked to the door , and turned suddenly , almost with a shout .