five minutes to twelve
`` We 'll obey you , General , as soon as we 've finished our game . '' Marjorie looked up from the backgammon board at which she and Mary were seated . It had always been a favorite game with them and Marjorie had proposed playing to relieve the curious sensation of apprehension that was gradually settling down upon her . It was five minutes to twelve when she put the board away . Mary had strolled to the living-room door . Pausing for an instant she said , as though reciting a lesson , `` I 've had a lovely day . Thank you all for my presents . ''