Ten minutes after twelve
cried the Gloames , arising in deep resentment . `` I mean shades , '' apologised Gates . `` You do say -- '' `` Pardon me , '' interrupted Godfrey , nervously , `` but can you tell me what time it is ? '' `` Ten minutes after twelve , sir . '' `` Oh , we must be going , '' cried Mrs. Gloame . `` What 's the rush ? '' demanded Gates .