five minutes to four
`` Oh , '' Shirley said , `` I think it 's going to be the nicest club that ever was . '' `` Am I late ? '' Shirley asked , as Pauline came down the steps to meet her Thursday afternoon . `` No , indeed , it still wants five minutes to four . Will you come in , or shall we wait out here ? Hilary is under bond not to make her appearance until the last minute . '' `` Out here , please , '' Shirley answered , sitting down on the upper step .