half past eight
But if the Beeman were really Cousin Tom , then he could , of course , put everything right and -- more immediate cause for rejoicing -- Polly could cook ! `` Oh , come down to the kitchen and get Cousin Jasper something to eat , '' he begged . `` He is almost starved . It is half past eight and he had lunch at twelve . '' He gave Tom Brighton a rapid account of what had happened that day -- of the letter , of Cousin Jasper 's increasing agitation , of his final desperate call for help on his own responsibility . `` Poor Oliver , what a day you have had , while the rest of us were enjoying ourselves at the fair ! '' said Cousin Tom .