four minutes to eight
`` Byrd ? Well , tell him I 'm busy , '' replied the principal . `` If he wants to wait I 'll see him after the conference . Although '' -- Mr. Fernald glanced at the clock -- `` it 's only four minutes to eight and he 'd better get back to his room . Tell him I 'll see him at the Cottage at nine , Mr. Brooke . As I was saying , '' and Mr. Fernald faced the company again , `` I think it would be well to arrange for a longer course this Winter . Last year , as you 'll recall -- Eh ?