was the phonograph still playing ? how long had they been dancing ? everything that ever was , or ever had been , had melted away . all that remained , on a completely new plane of existence , were these two . the man who had pulled himself up by his bootstraps , & the woman he had done it all for . braving a look at the window , jay gatsby’s heart fell at the sight of the setting sun . would his golden girl agree to stay with him for the night ? or crush his very soul with her departure . he held her closer , hoping against hope that his wish could be granted .