three minutes to twelve
Concentration came into his face . `` It 's three minutes to twelve o'clock , '' he said decisively . She took up the watch which lay on the table beside the bed . `` Yes , it 's just three minutes to twelve , '' she declared in an awe-struck voice . `` That 's marvellous -- how wonderful you are ! '' `` That 's what I said of you a minute ago , '' he returned . Then , with a swift change of voice and manner , he added , `` How long is it ? ''