ten minutes
before ten o'clock
It 's after nine now . The ambassador should be here in fifteen minutes . '' The lads jumped into their clothes , then went downstairs , where they awaited the arrival of the ambassador . The latter arrived ten minutes before ten o'clock , and the three were driven to the War and Navy building . Secretary Daniels received them at once . `` I understand that you come on a very important matter , '' he said . `` Pray , what is it , gentlemen ? ''