nearly eight o'clock
`` I declare , '' he said , looking down at her contritely , `` I never meant to keep you all this time . Good Lord ! Have I been puttering up here for an hour and a half ! It 's nearly eight o'clock ! Why on earth did n't you speak to me , Valerie ? '' `` It 's a braver girl than I am who 'll venture to interrupt you at work , Kelly , '' she said , laughingly . `` I 'm a little afraid of you . ''