four o'clock
As for the cat , although the old caretaker sallied forth vowing vengeance , she was never again seen . Soon it was time for the children to go to school in the old building situated some distance from St. Mark 's , not far from the Rialto . There was now only time in the morning for a brief visit with Chico before lessons began , and a hurried half-hour with him at luncheon . Hence the moments after four o'clock and the full holiday on Saturday were most precious , and on those occasions no one was happier than Chico , flying from one to another , and usually ending by perching coquettishly on Andrea 's shoulder . `` There is n't a pigeon in Venice to compare with him , '' remarked Andrea , lovingly touching the daintily arched bill , and looking into the clear eyes . `` Tell me , Paolo , did you ever see so fine a bird ? '' In answer the old man thoughtfully stretched out the well-shaped wings , saying , as the colors shone iridescent green and blue in the sunshine : `` They 're as beautiful as any wings I ever saw , and better than that , they 're strong .