half past seven
Going on with his blacking , yet stopping ever and anon to glance over the general 's plan of campaign , spread on the table before him , he was at last interrupted by the entrance of an officer . `` Everything is ready for the attack , general . It is now eight o'clock '' `` Impossible ! It is only half past seven . '' `` But my watch , and the watches of the staff '' -- `` Are regulated by my kitchen clock , that has been in my family for years . Enough ! it is only half past seven . ''