ten
minutes past six
Within two minutes all were reduced to fine ashes , which the priestess of the rite duly took to the window , and scattered down into the `` court . '' Then she washed her hands , put the saucer back under the mug , and raised another window to let out the smell . This business completed , Carlisle glanced at her watch . It was ten minutes past six , or nearly time to begin to dress . The moment was an interlude in a day which had been full of exciting activity , keyed with the joy of journey 's end and lovers ' meeting . An evening in similar titillating vein waited just ahead . At this moment , Canning , bidden _ an revoir _ some ten minutes ago , was doubtless dressing at his club , seven blocks away .