half
after five o'clock
All such visits Alexia carefully avoided if a possible thing . And Polly , knowing full well the details of those enforced upon her by her aunt , as Alexia , the day after , poured the miseries of each in her ear , sat forward on the green leather seat and clasped her hands , impatient to get there . `` Oh , if they only have n't gone in to tea , '' she breathed . `` It 's early yet , child , '' said Mrs. Whitney , reassuringly , `` scarcely half after five o'clock , '' glancing at the little silver watch in the carriage pocket before her ; `` so do n't worry , Polly . '' `` But Miss Barnard has tea so very early , '' said Polly , in a small panic . `` Oh , here we are ! '' she brought up gleefully , as the carriage rolled up to the Barnard door and stopped .