twenty before twelve
As he was about to examine Kwaque , he looked with a slight start of recollection at his watch . When he saw the time he startled more , and turned a reproachful face upon his assistant . `` Miss Judson , '' he said , coldly emphatic , `` you have failed me . Here it is , twenty before twelve , and you knew I was to confer with Doctor Hadley over that case at eleven-thirty sharp . How he must be cursing me ! You know how peevish he is . '' Miss Judson nodded , with a perfect expression of contrition and humility , as if she knew all about it , although , in reality , she knew only all about her employer and had never heard till that moment of his engagement at eleven-thirty .