ten minutes to nine
This rule he carried out in all branches of art , -- except his own ` cello-playing . That was NOT great , -- that would never be great , -- but it was his pet pastime ; he chose it in preference to the billiards , betting , and bar-lounging that make up the amusements of the majority of the hopeful manhood of London , and , as has already been said , he never inflicted it upon others . He rubbed the rosin now thoughtfully up and down his bow , and glanced at the quaint old clock -- an importation from Nurnberg -- that ticked solemnly in one corner near the deep bay-window , across which the heavy olive green plush curtains were drawn , to shut out the penetrating chill of the wind . It wanted ten minutes to nine . He had given orders to his man servant that he was on no account to be disturbed that evening , . . no matter what visitors called for him , none were to be admitted .