twelve o'clock
I supplied very few words , for to save my life I could not at this moment bring my mind to bear upon such trifles ; but it was pretense of work , and better than embarrassing idleness . Before my secretary left me I must think of something to say to her in regard to the work for to-morrow ; but what should I say ? Should I tell her I would drop the story , or that I would modify it so as to make it feasible for her to write ? Something must quickly be decided upon , and while I was tumultuously revolving the matter in my mind twelve o'clock and the sub-mother came . My secretary went away , with nothing but the little bow which she was accustomed to make when leaving the room . I was left in my study in a very unpleasant state of mind . I was agitated and apprehensive .