Ten minutes to eight
Mr. Romfrey named some of the processes by which they are relieved of brain-flightiness , adding philosophically , ` This way or that . ' His quick ear caught a sound of hoofs cantering down the avenue on the Northern front of the house . He consulted his watch . ` Ten minutes to eight . Say a quarter-past for dinner . They 're here , colonel . ' Mr. Romfrey met Nevil returning from the stables .