six o'clock
This was a victory over myself , and I felt , also , a victory over her . Not half an hour elapsed , before , on passing near the kitchen , she said to me , in a very respectful manner : '' ` I forgot to tell you , this morning , that the tea was all out . But I can run round to the store and get some in a few minutes . ' '' ` Do so , if you please , Hannah , ' I returned , without evincing the slightest feeling of annoyance at her neglect ; ` and try , if you can , to have tea ready precisely at six o'clock . ' '' ` I will have it ready , ma'am , ' she replied . And it was ready . `` Had I not exercised patience and self-control , the interview would have been something after this fashion : about ten minutes before tea-time , Hannah would have come to me and said , with provoking coolness -- '' ` The tea 's all out . '