DURING the silence that followed, Chandra approached and asked a question in a foreign tongue.

“No one else is coming,” said Zayata. “close the lift, and raise it, Chandra.”

Chandra went out into the hallway. Zayata spoke softly to Margaret:

“You are unhappy,” he said soothingly. “Unhappy, aren’t you — Margaret?”

“Yes,” answered the girl dreamily. “But, somehow, unhappiness cannot last long — here.”

“You will remain?”

“I must remain for a while — but then—”

“What then?” Zayata asked.

“I must go, although—”

“Why should you ever leave?” The girl did not reply.