"I wish you could like Korvan," she said regretfully.
"I don't dislike him," said Calhoun. "I think he will be a most prominent citizen, in time. He has all the talents for it."
Maril smiled very faintly.
"But you don't admire him."
"I wouldn't say that," protested Calhoun. "After all, he is attractive to you, which is something I couldn't manage."
"You didn't try," said Maril. "Just as I didn't try to be fascinating to you. Why?"
Calhoun spread out his hands. But he looked at Maril with respect. Not every woman could have faced the fact that a man did not feel impelled to make passes at her. It is simply a fact that has nothing to do with desirability or charm or anything else.
"You're going to marry him," he said. "I hope you'll be very happy."
"He's the man I want," said Maril frankly. "He looks forward to splendid discoveries. I'm sorry it's so important to him."
Calhoun did not ask the obvious question. Instead, he said thoughtfully;