"A fair amount. A spaceman begins to think in large figures so much that he wonders how he can get along on a more humanly reasonable amount. To clear a reasonable standard of living, a rather staggering amount of money comes in one hand and goes out the other. Operating expenses are high, but so are charges."
"But do you land on Mercury often, Mr. Farradyne?"
Farradyne smiled. "Perhaps less frequently in the past than in the future."
"Now that's sheer flattery," laughed Carolyn.
"Better enjoy it," observed her father with a chuckle. "Charles, you are welcome here any time you land."
"Thank you," smiled Farradyne. "But all things considered, I should think that you'd take a dim view of any man that brought your daughter home wearing a gardenia."
"Gardenia? Oh. You mean that it might be—" Mr. Niles laughed. "I think that Carolyn has enough judgment to take up with the right kind of young man, Charles."
"Of course," said Mrs. Niles. "Robert and Michael wouldn't stay friends with the wrong kind."
"So you see?" laughed Mr. Niles.
"By the way," asked Mrs. Niles. "How is Michael?"