half past ten
They declared unanimously that they would refuse to give up their lovely ward , even if all New York were to come and besiege them . Frederick looked at his watch . It was a few minutes past ten . The last thing Arthur Stoss had said on parting occurred to him , `` At half past ten to the dot , I shall be on the boards behind the footlights . '' Frederick told the artists about Arthur Stoss ; and Willy Snyders , the man of initiative , proposed that they go together to Webster and Forster to see the armless actor 's performance . Ritter lent Frederick one of his evening suits , which fitted him to perfection , and within less than half an hour the company was sitting in a box at Webster and Forster 's . The enormous hall , in which smoking and drinking were allowed , was full .