twelve minutes to nine
Another positive ordinance of his father 's had been that there should be nothing after supper except bed . Nine o'clock was the latest permissible moment for going to bed . It was now less than a quarter to . `` It only wants twelve minutes to nine , '' Constance pointed out . `` Well , what if it does ? '' `` Now , Cyril , '' she said , `` I do hope you are going to be a good boy , and not cause your mother anxiety . '' But she said it too kindly .