She frowned, staring at him without comprehension.
"It's true," he said. "This wasn't a free day. But I'm glad I didn't work. I'd never have met you."
She was instantly concerned. "You'll be penalized!"
"I suppose so." He smiled at her shocked expression. "What do you think would happen if we were caught together out here? Or if you were found wearing blue?"
"That's different! They'd have to catch us—but they'll know you didn't work!" The full implications of his action had reached her, and her eyes were round with dismay—and wonder. "Why? What made you do it?"
"I can't really explain it. Maybe it has something to do with—" For a moment he was withdrawn, searching his own mind. Then he asked, "What do you think about the Merger?"
"I don't think about it much," she said slowly.
"It doesn't mean anything to you?"
She shook her head. "Why should it?"
"It's what started me off. But that was just the"—he thought of the firearms in the Historical Museum exhibit—"the trigger. I was trying to be ... me."