ten minutes before nine
Will you meet me at nine in the drawing-room ? Do not mention my going to my uncle or aunts , as it will be better that I should tell them myself . Yours , L . At ten minutes before nine Lady Anna was in the drawing-room waiting for him , and at ten minutes past nine he joined her . `` I beg your pardon for keeping you waiting . '' She gave him her hand , and said that it did not signify in the least . She was always early .