three minutes to eight
But after all , this seemed quite natural to Mrs. Tams . When Rachel went back to the bedroom , about 7.30 , to get Louis by ruthlessness and guile out of bed , she was surprised to discover that he had already gone up to the bathroom . She guessed , with vague alarm , from this symptom that he had a new and very powerful interest in life . He came to breakfast at three minutes to eight , three minutes before it was served . When she entered the parlour in the wake of Mrs. Tams he kissed her with gay fervour . She permitted herself to be kissed . Her unresponsiveness , though not marked , disconcerted him and somewhat dashed his mood .