ten minutes past
four
Come , Peggy , dearie ! '' Peggy turned her dreary little face and stared at the table . From outside came the sound of the opening and shutting of the door , of footsteps in the hall . She glanced at the clock , wondering if it could possibly be the postman already , found it was only ten minutes past four , and dismissed the supposition with a sigh . `` I do n't -- think -- I want -- '' she was beginning slowly , when , of a sudden , there came a tremendous rat-tat-tat on the schoolroom door ; the handle was not turned , but burst open ; a blast of chilly air blew into the room , and in the doorway stood a tall , handsome youth , with square shoulders , a gracefully poised head , and Peggy Saville 's eave-like brows above his dancing eyes . `` Oh , what a surprise ! '' came the cry in loud laughing tones .