five o'clock
Sitting down , he let his crutches slide along beside him , and holding the injured leg straight out before him hitched along from stair to stair until he reached the bottom . Then with even greater caution than he had used before he walked to the door and opened it . A bright-faced girl stood on the step and without waiting for Arthur to speak said pleasantly , `` I am Ruth Shirley , and I am afraid you are not expecting me until to-morrow . '' `` I am sure mother did n't expect you to-day , for she has gone in town and wo n't be back before five o'clock , '' said Arthur , unpleasantly conscious of his crutches , his dressing-gown and his distracted-looking hair . Ruth turned to the gentleman who was with her and held out her hand . `` Thank you very much , Mr. Ingersoll , for taking care of me so nicely . I shall write father all about your kindness . ''