ten minutes
past eleven
And , indeed , so can five seconds , when wonders are working , but the crass ignorance of humanity oft prevents the operation being seen . Be that as it may , Royson discovered that it was nearly eleven o'clock before he had cleaned his soiled clothes sufficiently to render himself presentable . As he set out once more for his rendezvous , he heard the band playing the old Guard back to quarters . The soldiers came down the Mall , but he followed the side of the lake , crossed the Horse-guards Parade , and reached the office for which he was bound at ten minutes past eleven . He had applied for a secretaryship , a post in which `` a thorough knowledge of French '' was essential , and he was received by a pompous , flabby little man , with side whiskers , for whom he conceived a violent dislike the moment he set eyes on him . Apparently , the feeling was mutual . Dick Royson was far too distinguished looking to suit the requirements of the podgy member for a county constituency , a legislator who hoped to score in Parliament by getting the Yellow Books of the French Chamber translated for his benefit .