twenty minutes past five
`` I do n't know . It is one of those quaint ideas that sometimes linger in families . Of course it is only a tale , and I am afraid I have been a long while in telling it . Monica , dear , it is twenty minutes past five . Lindsay and Cicely must hurry back to school at once , if they are to be in time for preparation . We shall get into sad disgrace with Miss Russell if we allow them to be late . '' `` I think your mother is perfectly sweet , '' said Lindsay , as Monica walked with them along the road to the Manor gates .