twenty minutes past ten
`` I thought , if you were going to skate , I would call and ask leave to go with you , '' he said glibly , as she gave him her hand . `` Oh -- thanks . But is not it rather early ? '' `` It is twenty minutes past ten , '' said John , looking at the clock . `` Well , let us get warm before starting , '' said Mrs. Goddard , sitting down by the fire . `` It is so cold this morning . '' John thought she was lovely to look at as she sat there , warming her hands and shielding her face from the flame with them at the same time .