five minutes to ten
He wished he might let the Khedive into the secret at once , for he had an opinion of Ismail 's sense of humour ; had he not said that very day in the presence of the French Consul , `` Shut the window , quick ! If the consul sneezes , France will demand compensation ! '' But Dicky was satisfied that things should be as they were . He looked at the clock -- it was five minutes to ten . He rose from the table , and went to the smoking-room . In vain it was sought to draw him into the friendly circles of gossiping idlers and officials . He took a chair at the very end of the room and opposite the door , and waited , watching .