ten minutes past seven
Their escorts waited in the passage , clearing their throats , or stroking their chins . Convention demanded that they should wait to make a formal entry into the parlour with their wives . With his ear pressed against the kitchen door , Bindle listened with interest , endeavouring to identify from their voices the arrivals as they passed . By ten minutes past seven , the sounds in the passage had ceased -- the guests had all come . In Mrs. Bindle 's circle it was customary to take literally the time mentioned in the invitation , and to apologise for even a few minutes ' lateness . In order that the Montagues should not become confused with the Capulets , Bindle had taken the precaution of asking his own friends to come to the back door . He had added that the beer would be in the kitchen .