quarter after four
It was a decided squash . Edith and Sybil sat in front , and Merle and Beata managed to get together into the little dickey seat behind , where they each held one another in and clutched the hood for support . `` I have to pay a visit , but I 'll run you back first , '' said Uncle David , setting off at a pace that made Merle and Beata cling for their lives as they whisked round corners . They arrived at ` The Moorings ' exactly as the town-hall clock was chiming the quarter after four . Mr. Vicary , his face a study of patience , was standing by the side of the ` sardine-tin , ' which was already packed for transit , and whose occupants set up a joyful screech of welcome . `` Of course , if Dr. Tremayne motored you back with Merle it 's all right , though you ought to have asked me first , '' said Miss Mitchell , to whom Sybil gave a much edited explanation , omitting the ferry-boat incident altogether , and suppressing the violets . So the four culprits , who had expected trouble , got off a great deal better than they deserved .