five minutes to eight
He set himself to clean the window , tidy the cupboard , and generally put things square , and had succeeded fairly well in this endeavour by the time his patron made his appearance . `` What 's the time ? '' inquired that lord of creation , running his eye rapidly round the room at the same time , to notice how his fag had done his duty . `` It 's five minutes to eight , '' replied Charlie , after consulting me , and highly delighted to be thus appealed to . `` Come along to breakfast , then . You 'll have to sit at a different table from me ; but mind and wait for me afterwards , for I 've got to take you to the doctor . '' So Charlie was conducted down to the hall to breakfast , and provided with a humble seat at the foot of the lowest table , while Joe Halliday made his way with all the dignity that became his years to a distinguished place at the highest .