five minutes to six
He marvelled at the superstition that made this a burden ... . At a quarter before six a trumpet blew , and presently the tall windows of the hall across the court from him began to kindle . That was for her Grace 's supper to be served . At five minutes to six another trumpet sounded , and M. Landet , the Queen 's butler , hurried out with his white rod to take his place for the entrance of the dishes . Finally , through the ground-floor window at the foot of the Queen 's stair , the man caught a glimpse of moving figures passing towards the hall . That would be her Grace going in state to her supper with her women ; but , for the first time , without either priest to say grace or steward to escort her . He saw , too , the couple of guards under the inner archway come to the salute as the little procession came for an instant within their view ; and Mr. Newrins , the butler of the castle , stop suddenly and pull off his cap as he was hurrying in to be in time for the supper of the gentlemen that was served in the keep half an hour after the Queen 's .