one o'clock
`` Is -- is anything wrong ? '' asked Mrs. Ripley , turning around quickly . `` Just a few little questions I want to talk over with the boy , '' replied Mr. Ripley . It was shortly after one o'clock when Fred stepped into the library . This apartment was really in two rooms , separated by folding doors . In the front room Mr. Ripley had his desk , and did his writing . Most of his books were in the rear room .