Possible Clues:

• Ere much time passed
• While still not much has happened
• Near the outset
• In the first few years?
• Before much time has elapsed, peer angrily finishes working
• Nobleman with those near the start
• Notice French city near the start
• Listening device that is intercepted by line near the start
• Nearly nuts about Oscar after a short time
• Nobleman over there with but little time elapsed