half past
nine
I will come back tomorrow morning , between nine and ten . '' Inquiry proved that a boy , with very extraordinary-looking eyes , had called , and presented my card and message , had waited an hour , had done nothing but fall asleep and wake up again , had written a line for me , and had gone home -- after gravely informing the servant that `` he was fit for nothing unless he got his night 's rest . '' At nine , the next morning , I was ready for my visitor . At half past nine , I heard steps outside my door . `` Come in , Gooseberry ! '' I called out . `` Thank you , sir , '' answered a grave and melancholy voice .