six o'clock
But to do the latter , you must bear in mind that it must never be known that you have a drop of African blood in your veins , or you would be shunned as if you were a pestilence ; no matter how fair in complexion or how white you may be . '' `` I have not as yet decided on trying the experiment , and I hardly think it probable I shall , '' rejoined Winston . As he said this he took out his watch , and was astonished to find how very long his visit had been . He therefore gave his hand to Mr. Ellis , and promised to return at six o'clock and accompany him home to visit his family . As he was leaving the shop , Mr. Ellis remarked : `` George , you have not said a word respecting your mother . '' His face flushed , and the tears started in his eyes , as he replied , in a broken voice , `` She 's dead ! Only think , Ellis , she died within a stone 's throw of me , and I searching for her all the while .