two before twelve
She looked a little surprised , and then said , `` Of course , Master Raymond . '' `` At what hour will it suit your ladyship ? '' `` At twelve , precisely , I have an engagement at one ; '' and the carriage drove off . A minute or two before twelve , Master Raymond was at the Governor 's house in Green lane ; and was duly admitted , as one expected , and shown into her ladyship 's boudoir . `` Now , come right to the point , Master Raymond ; and tell me what I can do for you , '' said her ladyship smiling . `` If I can help you , I will ; if I can not , or must not , I shall say so at once -- and you must continue to be just as good a friend to me as ever . '' `` I promise that to your ladyship , '' replied the young man earnestly .