a quarter to six
`` I went back to the hotel . After luncheon I sent out my advance cards and took up a book . My mind was perfectly easy , because I knew just exactly what was going to happen . `` At a quarter to six , Abie , Alex 's boy , disturbed me while I was in the middle of a chapter and said : ` Papa wants to see you right away . The store closes at six . ' `` I knew that meant business , but I said to Abie : ` Tell your papa if he 'll excuse me I 'll not come over . Wo n't you please say goodbye to him for me ?