twenty minutes past twelve
Carlisle , already seated , was just beginning to unbutton her left long glove . `` Fine hours , fine hours these , for even a play sick-man ! Yet I linger on ... '' `` You must stay , '' said she , `` till the last person has gone from Mr. Beirne 's . '' The mantel clock stood at twenty minutes past twelve . With a little laugh she reached up and turned its small commemorative face to the wall . `` Or , '' she added , becoming grave , `` are you really quite tired out with being with me ? '' `` I was hardly thinking that , '' said Canning .