twenty-five minutes to nine
Patty stayed for a few minutes in the refectory to talk to some of the fifth class girls , and was in the middle of a conversation with Olive Hardman and Bella Ashworth , when Jean entered in search of her . `` Come , Patty , '' she said , `` you 're wanted in the classroom . '' `` Why , it 's too early . It 's only twenty-five minutes to nine , '' said Patty . `` Never mind . The girls are all there waiting . '' `` Waiting for what ? ''