ten minutes to ten
Tom o ' the Gleam made no answer , but the fierce look in his eyes showed that he was not disposed to be communicative on this point . Just then the sound of voices raised in some dispute on the threshold of the `` Trusty Man , '' caused all the customers in the common room to pause in their talking and drinking , and to glance expressively at one another . Miss Tranter 's emphatic accents rang out sharply on the silence . `` It wants ten minutes to ten , and I never close till half-past ten , '' she said decisively . `` The law does not compel me to do so till eleven , and I resent private interference . '' `` I am aware that you resent any advice offered for your good , '' was the reply , delivered in harsh masculine tones . `` You are a singularly obstinate woman .