five minutes to nine
`` I never did but once , '' I faltered , too proudly honest to give an evasive answer . `` That once , I presume , occurred last night ? '' `` Yes . '' `` Strictly speaking , it wanted just five minutes to nine when you slipped stealthily into the side entrance . '' I sat , culprit-like , in silence , while his eyes were watching me closely . `` Do n't you think two hours a long time to be loitering about the garden in the dark ? '' `` You must not be too hard on Medoline , '' Mrs. Flaxman interposed .