three minutes to ten
As to Charles , he was so accustomed to feminine eccentricity , in the person of his aunt , that the only thing which could surprise him would be a rigid observance of etiquette . At nine o'clock they entered the dining-room of Number 2 , to find the master of the house absent , a red-shaded lamp , a snowy cloth , a pleasant little feast , and the two whom they would have chosen , as their companions . A merrier party never met , and the house rang with their laughter and their chatter . `` It is three minutes to ten , '' cried Clara , suddenly , glancing at the clock . `` Good gracious ! So it is ! Now for our little tableau ! ''