three
minutes to one
`` I have plenty now , '' declared Dorothy , waltzing nimbly about the floor , as only a bright , happy , thoughtless young girl can who is free from care . `` I could n't count all who make eyes at me now , so what will it be when I get as old as the rest of you girls ? '' -- this a trifle maliciously , for every one of them was at least twenty , and that seemed rather _ passée _ to this bit of femininity of sweet sixteen . Some one noticed that the huge clock on the mantel wanted just three minutes to one , so the fragments of luncheon were crammed back into their baskets , and the girls , chatting and laughing , went back to their work , for they had a very particular foreman . But one of their number , Jessie Staples , hung back to have a word with Dorothy . `` I hope that you will not grow into a flirt , '' she said , slipping her arm about Dorothy 's waist and looking into the young girl 's flushed face with serious eyes , adding : `` This brings me to the question that I intended asking you this noon . Where did you meet that young car conductor who walked up as far as your home with you last night ?