twenty minutes to seven
I wanted Carrie to meet me at Franching 's house ; but she would not do so , so I had to go home to fetch her . What a long journey it is from Holloway to Peckham ! Why do people live such a long way off ? Having to change ' buses , I allowed plenty of time -- in fact , too much ; for we arrived at twenty minutes to seven , and Franching , so the servant said , had only just gone up to dress . However , he was down as the clock struck seven ; he must have dressed very quickly . I must say it was quite a distinguished party , and although we did not know anybody personally , they all seemed to be quite swells . Franching had got a professional waiter , and evidently spared no expense .