about half past ten
If her principles forbade idleness , I was glad to have a crack at her principles . Then I began to dictate steadily and severely . I found that the dismissal from my mind of all conjectures regarding the personality of my secretary was of great service to me , and I was able to compose much faster than she could write . It was about half past ten , I think , and the morning was warm and pleasant , when there gently sailed into the secretary 's room , through the open window , a wasp . I saw him come in , and I do not think I ever beheld a more agreeable or benignant insect . His large eyes were filled with the light of a fatherly graciousness . His semi-detached body seemed to quiver with a helpful impulse , and his long hind legs hung down beneath him as though they were outstretched to assist , befriend , or succor .