ten o'clock
You can help me watch at a safe distance , Amy , and protected , as I said , if they swarm . It would n't be well for you to go too near the hives at first , you know , '' he added , in laughing gallantry , `` for they might mistake you for a flower . They are so well acquainted with me that I raise neither expectations nor fears . You need n't come out before ten o'clock , for they do n't swarm until toward midday . '' With shy steps , and well protected , Amy approached the apiary , near which the old gentleman was sitting in placid fearlessness under the shade of a maple , the honey of whose spring blossoms was already in the hive . For a time she kept at a most respectful distance , but , as the bees did not notice her , she at last drew nearer , and removed her veil , and with the aid of her glass saw the indefatigable workers coming in and going out with such celerity that they seemed to be assuring each other that there were tons of honey now to be had for the gathering . The bees grew into large insects under her powerful lenses , and their forms and movements were very distinct .