As Winston walks the prole district, he begins to envy the lives of the common people. He knows full well that it is dangerous to be seen wandering in the district. Hoping that an old man he meets in a pub there could be his ticket to the past, Winston buys him alcohol. However, the old man rambles on incoherently, leaving Winston none the wiser.

Back out on the street, Winston finds himself outside the shop where he bought his diary. Mr. Charrington, the shop’s owner, invites Winston over to have a look at the shop. As Winston buys an old paperweight, he savors the shop’s oldness and charm, both being qualities the Party would find suspicious. Mr. Charrington leads Winston to the upstairs apartment Winston used to share with his wife. Winston fantasizes about using the room as his secret hiding place.

As he is about to leave, Winston once again spots the dark-haired girl. He can’t help but wonder about the Thought Police, and whether the girl could be a spy. Nonetheless, Winston has resigned himself to the possibility of being reported. He even considers using the paperweight to hit the girl on her head, though he does not follow through. Fearfully, he returns to his apartment. He realizes that his thoughts and actions will inevitably land him in more trouble sooner or later.