"Oh, yes," she said, "We can spend some time there and have our afternoon tea." Hand in hand, we again took to the air. Soon we landed in a secluded portion of the center parkway, near the center lake.
We were served tea with a large assortment of dainty little sandwiches, cakes, fruits, and candies. The sweet soft music permeating the air exalted me, and we were both wrapped in the exultation of our newly found love.
My deep love for her made me more happy than I had ever been in my life. I could hardly express what I wanted to say. But she seemed to understand. She listened attentively, and when I started stammering, she pressed my hand to encourage me. I was astonished that such a wonderful girl could have any interest in a blundering person like me. When I had finished, she answered, "I love you, too; I loved you the first time I saw you on Mars.
"You must know that I watched you in our television when grandfather took possession of your plane," she continued, "and I greatly admired your actions and the way you carried yourself. It wasn't hard to grow to love you.
"You must understand that we have no sympathy with many of the conditions on earth. I was deeply impressed when Grandfather told me about the conference he had with you and your Earth friends, and of the plan you boys have made. The news has been broadcast all over Mars. Your success or even a partial one will be an outstanding feat of our time.
"We all hope that our sincere admiration for you boys shall be an inspiration for your success. We shall encourage you and take great pride in your work. Even though you don't succeed fully, but only plant among your people the seed of the way we live our life, I will be just as proud of your achievement."
We spent the whole afternoon, until late in the evening, telling each other of our love, and planning and hoping for our future.
We were in a deep embrace when her mother called her on the inter-communicating instrument to come home.
That was the most momentous day of my life.