half past eight
Charlie responded nobly to the command . When she saw the last spoonful vanish , she smiled elfishly . It was eight o'clock . The operetta began at half past eight . Allowing herself fifteen minutes to reach the theatre and carry out the last step in her plan , she would arrive there at fifteen minutes past eight . The wandering musician made strenuous objection , however , to leaving the ice cream parlor . `` I could eat more chok ` lit cream , '' he informed her .