By the flame of the lighter — George was fond of such antiques — he could now recognize his fellow-guest, a strikingly handsome young negro whose name George had been told but had immediately forgotten, like those of the twenty other complete strangers at the party. However, there seemed something familiar about him, and suddenly George guessed the truth.
“I don’t think we’ve really met,” he said, “but aren’t you Rupert’s new brother-in-law?”
“That’s right. I’m Jan Rodricks. Everyone says that Maia and I look rather alike.”
George wondered whether to commiserate with Jan for his newly acquired relative. He decided to let the poor fellow find out for himself; after all, it was just possible that Rupert would settle down this time.
“I’m George Greggson. This is the first time you’ve been to one of Rupert’s famous parties?”
“Yes. You certainly meet a lot of new people this way.”
“And not only humans,” added George. “This is the first chance I’ve had of meeting an Overlord socially.”
The other hesitated for a moment before replying, and George wondered what sensitive spot he had struck. But the answer revealed nothing.
“I’ve never seen one before, either — except of course on TV.” There the conversation languished, and after a moment George realized that Jan wanted to be alone. It was getting cold, anyway, so he took his leave and rejoined the party.
The jungle was quiet now; as Jan leaned against the curving wall of the air intake, the only sound he could hear was the faint murmur of the house as It breathed through its mechanical lungs. He felt very much alone, which was the way he wanted to be. He also felt highly frustrated — and that was something he had no desire to be at all.