half past nine
A large , stout , red-faced gentleman entered , wrapped in a thick frieze motor coat . He nodded to us briefly . `` Sorry to interrupt , '' he said , `` but time 's getting on , Tearle . My consultation with Sir Peverly Salt was for half past nine , if you remember . It 's that now . '' `` Oh , there 's plenty of time , '' said Tearle . `` Sit down , Ballard .