about eight o'clock
said Simon . That was enough about Abbott ; Simon passed at once to a more interesting theme : `` Taken in the Lion Show , yet ? '' `` I 'm just waiting for nine-thirty ... I have an engagement . '' Futile words , indeed , since it was now only about eight o'clock . `` You come with me , then , I know all the ropes . Hey ? Oh , yes , I know mother thinks me in bed -- for goodness ' sake do n't tell on me , she 'd be scared to death .