ten
minutes past two
Then he turned it over to address it , but the writing of Alice 's name for this purpose seemed too much for him , in spite of Boardman 's humorous support throughout . `` Oh , I ca n't do it , '' he said , falling back in his chair . `` Let me , '' said his friend , cheerfully ignoring his despair . He philosophised the whole transaction , as he addressed the package , rang for a messenger , and sent it away , telling him to call a cab for ten minutes past two . `` Mighty good thing in life that we move by steps . Now on the stage , or in a novel , you 'd have got those things together and addressed 'em , and despatched 'em , in just the right kind of paper , with just the right kind of string round it , at a dash ; and then you 'd have had time to go up and lean your head against something and soliloquise , or else think unutterable things . But here you see how a merciful Providence blocks your way all along .