half past eight
Availing himself of a pause in the dissertations on national politics , Maltboy pulled out his watch and consulted it . `` Why ! '' said he ; `` nine o'clock ! And I was to be in Fourteenth street by half past eight . Only intended to drop in just to see how you were . You really must excuse me , Mr. Whedell . '' Matthew rose as he spoke , to show that his mind was made up , and remonstrances would be useless .