midnight
That there once existed some connection it was impossible to ignore entirely . Her laughing , yet clearly embarrassed , attempt at explanation had not in the slightest deceived him , for beyond it remained her quick surprise at that earliest unexpected mention of the man 's name , the suddenly blanched cheeks , the unconcealed fright revealed by the dark eyes . The full truth was to be read there , and not in her later more deliberate attempt at leading his suspicions astray . There was nothing pleasant about this thought , and Winston 's sensitive face flushed , his glance wandering uneasily down the midnight street . For the space of a block , or more , where numerous tents and low wooden buildings stood deserted of tenants , all remained dark and silent ; but just beyond glowed brilliantly the many-hued lights of the wide-awake Poodle-Dog , and he could even hear the band playing noisily within the still more distant dance hall . This combined sight and sound served to arouse him to action and a cool resolve . If he really intended to play out this game successfully he must learn something of its conditions .