twenty minutes to eight
` I do n't pretend to more than a very general knowledge of these subjects myself , ' says he , after enervating the intellects of several strong men , ` but these are my brother 's opinions , and I believe he is known to be well-informed . ' The commonest incidents and places would appear to have been made special , expressly for our bore . Ask him whether he ever chanced to walk , between seven and eight in the morning , down St. James 's Street , London , and he will tell you , never in his life but once . But , it 's curious that that once was in eighteen thirty ; and that as our bore was walking down the street you have just mentioned , at the hour you have just mentioned -- half-past seven -- or twenty minutes to eight . No ! Let him be correct ! -- exactly a quarter before eight by the palace clock -- he met a fresh-coloured , grey-haired , good-humoured looking gentleman , with a brown umbrella , who , as he passed him , touched his hat and said , ` Fine morning , sir , fine morning ! '