about half past
eight
`` I 'd no idea it was so late , '' he said . `` I heard no gong . '' `` After you swore so at poor Bradley I ordered that there should be no gongs when we were alone . I did come up to your door about half past eight . I crept up . But I was afraid I might upset you if I came in . '' `` But you 've not waited -- '' `` I 've had a mouthful of soup . ''