twenty minutes past
four
But what were you going to say about driving over there ? '' `` I must see a gentleman on business , who will be there to meet the five-o'clock train , and leave on it ; and , in order to be certain of seeing him , I must be there at least fifteen or twenty minutes before it is due . Shall I have the pleasure of my wife 's company in the carriage ? I have ordered it to be at the door by fifteen or twenty minutes past four , which will give us plenty of time , as it is an easy matter to drive from here to Union in ten minutes . '' `` Thank you , '' she said . `` I accept the invitation with pleasure , and promise to be ready at the minute . '' `` You are the best little woman about that , '' he returned , with an appreciative look and smile .