three minutes to twelve
o’clock
I do see . I 'll guess the time now -- with my mind 's eye . '' Concentration came into his face . `` It 's three minutes to twelve o'clock , '' he said decisively . She took up the watch which lay on the table beside the bed . `` Yes , it 's just three minutes to twelve , '' she declared in an awe-struck voice . `` That 's marvellous -- how wonderful you are ! ''