They guided Mary to a large, curved leather seat.
From the top of a long silver pole a machine lowered itself. Tiny bulbs glowed to life and cells began to click. The people stared. Slowly a picture formed upon the screen in the machine. Bulbs directed at Mary, then redirected into the machine. Wheels turning, buttons ticking.
The picture was completed.
"Would you like to see it?"
Mary closed her eyes, tight.
"It's really very nice." The woman turned to the crowd. "Oh yes, there's a great deal to be salvaged; you'd be surprised. A great deal. We'll keep the nose and I don't believe the elbows will have to be altered at all."
Mrs. Cuberle looked at Mary and smiled. "Now, it isn't so bad as you thought, is it?" she said.
The beautiful people looked. Cameras turned, tapes wound.
"You'll have to excuse us now. Only the machines allowed."
Only the machines.