twenty minutes to
seven
After which there would be a clear ninety minutes before the business itself -- and less than a quarter of a mile to walk ! Yes , there was a rich and generous margin for all conceivable delays and accidents . `` The porter ought to be coming , '' said Simeon . It was twenty minutes to seven , and he was brushing his hat . Now such a remark from that personification of calm , that living denial of worry , Simeon , was decidedly unsettling to Arthur . By chance , Mrs Hopkins came into the room just then to assure herself that the young men whose house she kept desired nothing . `` Mrs Hopkins , '' Simeon asked , `` you did n't forget to call at the station last night ? ''