ten minutes past nine
I gathered from his anxiety about the audience , that Gorman intended to make a great effort . I looked forward to his speech . Gorman , at his best , is really a very fine speaker . At ten minutes past nine Gorman mounted the platform , the narrow strip of platform left for him in front of the pits occupied by Tim 's apparatus . The clatter of general conversation ceased , and the Cabinet Ministers , sitting in the front row with Ascher , clapped their hands . The rest of the audience , realising that applause was desirable , also clapped their hands . Gorman bowed and smiled .