“I went yesterday to the Ancient House⁠ ⁠…” my voice was strange, husky, flat⁠—I tried to cough.

“That is good. It must have given you material for some instructive deductions.”

“Yes⁠ ⁠… but⁠ ⁠… You see, I was not alone; I was in the company of I-330 , and then.⁠ ⁠…”

“ I-330 ? You are fortunate. She is a very interesting, gifted woman; she has a host of admirers.”

But he too⁠—then during the promenade.⁠ ⁠… Perhaps he is even assigned as her he-Number! No, it is impossible to tell him, unthinkable. This was perfectly clear.

“Yes, yes, certainly, very,” I smiled, broader and broader, more stupidly, and felt as if my smile made me look foolish, naked.