a quarter past four
She ran so fast through the village that she was too early , and she had to wait a little while in the lane that leads down to Ribby 's house . `` I wonder if Ribby has taken _ my _ pie out of the oven yet ? '' said Duchess , `` and whatever can have become of the other pie made of mouse ? '' -LSB- Illustration -RSB- At a quarter past four to the minute , there came a most genteel little tap-tappity . `` Is Mrs. Ribston at home ? '' inquired Duchess in the porch . `` Come in !