midnight
There was dancing to a juke box in Manfred 's Tavern . He 'd been there many times before , and he was sure several of the couples recognized him . But except for a few abortive glances in his direction , it was as if he were a stranger in a city halfway around the world . At midnight , he was still drinking . The others wanted to leave , but he said , `` I have n't danced with my girl Rhona . '' His tongue was thick , his mind was blurred , and yet he could read the strange expression on her face -- pretty Rhona , who 'd always flirted with him , who 'd made a ritual of flirting with him . Pretty Rhona , who now looked as if she were going to be sick .