a few minutes before four o’clock
Once we get to Tarrytown we can linger as long as we please . '' They whizzed along the now familiar road , through the endless chain of summer resorts that line the Jersey coast , up the Rumson Road between the homes of millionaires , and finally struck the road to New York . `` It 'll be easy sailing now , '' observed Ruth , `` if we only catch the ferries . '' By a stroke of good luck they were able to do so , and actually drew up in front of the Waldorf at a few minutes before four o'clock . `` Well , Ruth , I must say you are a pretty good calculator , '' exclaimed Miss Sallie , `` harum-scarum that you are . '' There was a brief interval for face-washing and the smoothing of flattened pompadours ; another longer one for consuming lettuce sandwiches and tea , followed by ices and cakes , and the party was off again , as swiftly as if it had been carrying secret government dispatches . Up Riverside Drive they sped , past the Palisades which loomed purple and amethyst in the misty light .