nearly half past twelve
`` Well , do n't forget next time . '' They sat on talking till nearly midnight , and Philip , who lived furthest off , was the first to go . If he did not catch the last tram he had to walk , and that made him very late . As it was he did not reach home till nearly half past twelve . When he got upstairs he was surprised to find Mildred still sitting in his arm-chair . `` Why on earth are n't you in bed ? '' he cried .