a quarter past nine
At this moment the Principal turned , and Mr. O'Shea , in a desperate attempt to retrieve his dignity , began : `` As to class management and discipline -- '' But the Principal was not to be deceived . `` Do n't you think , Mr. O'Shea , '' said he , `` that you and I had better leave the management of the little ones to the women ? You have noticed , perhaps , that this is Nature 's method . '' It was a quarter past nine and Miss Bailey was calling the roll , an undertaking which , after months of daily practice , was still formidable . Beginning with Abraham Abrahamowsky and continuing through the alphabet to Solomon Zaracheck , the roll-call of the First-Reader Class was full of stumbling blocks and pitfalls . Teacher insisted upon absolute silence during the five minutes thus consumed , and so it chanced that the excitement of Miss Blake , bursting into Room 18 at this particular time , was thrown into strong relief against the prevailing peace . `` Miss Bailey , '' began the ruffled sovereign of the room across the hall , `` did the Principal speak to you about one of my boys being put back into your grade ? ''