one minute to eight o'clock
The Squire looked at her for a moment . `` Send a man down to the dower-house to ask if Miss Clinton has been there this afternoon , '' he said , `` and if she has n't , tell him to go to the Rectory . '' The butler left the room , but returned immediately with Cicely 's telegram . It was one minute to eight o'clock . He hung on his heel after handing the salver to Mrs. Clinton and then left the room to carry out his previous instructions . It was not his place to draw conclusions , but to do as he was told . Mrs. Clinton read the telegram and handed it to the Squire , searching his face as he read it .