one minute before three o'clock
Sunbridge was a quiet little town in southern New Hampshire near the state line . It had wide , tree-shaded streets , and green-shuttered white houses set far back in spacious lawns . The station at this hour was even quieter than the town , and there were few curious eyes to question the meaning of the unusual appearance of five laughing , excited young girls , all dressed alike , and all showing flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes . At one minute before three o'clock , a tall , good-looking youth drove up in a smart trap , and was hailed with shouts of mingled joy and relief . `` Oh , Harold , we were just sure you were going to be late , '' cried Cordelia . `` Late ? Not I -- to-day ! ''