nearly half past seven before
It kept me from getting tired , to watch her . '' `` I was afraid you 'd be quite worn out . I 'd no idea it was so late . It must have been nearly half past seven before we got away from the Beck Hall spread , and then by the time we had walked round the college grounds -- how extremely pretty the lanterns were , and how charming the whole effect was ! -- it must have been nine before the dancing began . Well , we owe it all to you , Etta . '' `` I do n't know what you mean by owing .