midnight
But no one has ever accused me of dishonesty . '' Sally folded her napkin and rose stiffly from the table . `` Good night , Uncle , '' she said . When Sally arrived at the party every foot of floor space was taken up by dancing couples and the reception room was so crowded that , as each new guest was announced , a little ripple of displeasure went through the men in midnight blue and the women in Nile green and lavender . For a moment Sally did not move , just stood staring at the dancing couples , half-hidden by one of the potted palms that framed the sides of the long room . Moonlight silvered her hair and touched her white throat and arms with a caress so gentle that simply by closing her eyes she could fancy herself already in his arms . Moonlight from tall windows flooding down , turning the dancing guests into pirouetting ghosts in diaphanous blue and green , scarlet and gold .