twenty-one minutes past twelve
the latter asked . `` I am due in the Temple at 12.30 , and I never am a minute late , whatever happens . '' `` You will want a swift horse , '' Mr. Shovelin answered , `` or else this will be an exception to your rule . It is twenty-one minutes past twelve now . '' `` May I leave my charge to you , then , for a while ? She will be very quiet ; she is always so . Erema , will you wait for me ? ''