Joe Mauser said, "Max, go on back to the bar and have yourself a drink. I want to talk to Nadine."
When the little man was gone, Joe said, in a conversational tone, "We can be married tomorrow, right after we've reported to Phil Holland and the others."
Her eyes widened, "Well, really! Don't you think you might ask me about it?"
He shook his head. "No, we've covered all the preliminaries. The trouble with me has been that I've continued to look up at you. I suppose the caste system is too deeply ingrained in me. But now ... you're my woman. Period. I suppose you've actually been wondering why I've been such a slow clod."
"Do you think you're looking down at me now?" She countered indignantly.
"No. Just evenly. We'll be married as soon as possible."
Her voice went strangely demure. "Yes, Joe," she said.
They drove immediately from the airport to the office of Philip Holland, stopping only long enough for Joe to make a phone call.
They retraced the route over which Nadine had taken him that day that seemed so long ago, but actually wasn't. Through the long corridors, and eventually to the small office with the receptionist.
Miss Mikhail said, brightly, "Dr. Haer, Major Mauser, Mr. Holland is expecting you. Go right in."