“It gave me claustrophobia when he was standing. I wonder how Rupert got hold of him — this looks like being an interesting party.”
“Fancy Rupert addressing him like that, in public too. But he didn’t seem to mind. It’s all very peculiar.”
“I bet you he did mind. The trouble with Rupert Is that he likes to show oft; and he’s got no tact. And that reminds me — some of those questions you asked!”
“Such as?”
“Well—’How long have you been here? ’How do you get on with Supervisor Karellen? ’Do you like it on Earth? Really, darling! You just don’t talk to Overlords that way!”
“I don’t see why not. It is about time someone did.”
Before the discussion could get acrimonious, they were accosted by the Shoenbergers and fission rapidly occurred. The girls went off in one direction to discuss Mrs. Boyce; the men went in another and did exactly the same thing, though from a different viewpoint. Benny Shoenberger, who was one of George’s oldest friends, had a good deal of information on the subject.
“For heaven’s sake don’t tell anyone,” he said. “Ruth doesn’t know this, but I introduced her to Rupert.”
“I think,” George remarked enviously, “that she’s much too good for Rupert. However, it can’t possibly last. She’ll soon get fed up with him.” This thought seemed to cheer him considerably.
“Don’t you believe it! Besides being a beauty, she’s a really nice person. It’s high time someone took charge of Rupert, and she’s just the girl to do it.” Both Rupert and Maia were now sitting beside Rashaverak, receiving their guests in state. Rupert’s parties seldom had any focal point, but usually consisted of half a dozen independent groups intent on their own affairs. This time, however, the whole gathering was polarized towards a centre of attraction.