For a moment he didn't answer. Then he sighed. "Yes. Yes, I do both believe and hope I'm right, Ann. I never thought that I'd be willing to give up the struggle—that's what it amounts to. But I don't think the human race can manage itself any more. So, I'm willing and glad to have some other race teach us how to live. I know we've always looked on the idea of domination by some race from the stars with both terror and revulsion. But we've made such a mess of things on Earth that I, at least, would be glad to see them come."
After a while, Ann said, "I've got to do some shopping for supper."
She began mechanically putting her work away.
"You're shocked?"
"Yes. And relieved, too, a little. And, at the same time, still a bit frightened."
"It's probably for the best."
"Yes. It's sad, though. Have you told this to anyone else?"
"No. After all, it's still only a theory. I've got to find some kind of proof. Except that I don't know how."
"You've convinced me." She stood in the doorway, then turned to him and he could see that she was crying. She dashed the tears from her eyes. "I suppose we have to go on doing the same things. We have to have dinner tonight. I must shop...."
He took her in his arms. "It'll be all right," he said.