half
past eight
`` What time is it ? '' she asked with a jarring return to practical things . She bent her head close as he held a match to his watch . It was half past eight . `` We 'll have to hurry , '' she said . `` When I told you pop and I did n't always agree about everything I was thinking -- '' `` Is it about a man ? '' he asked , surmising the worst and steeling himself for the blow if it must fall .