"... human damnfoolishness botching up the equations...." He had said that once, too.
Miss Eagen was standing by the hospital door, watching her. When Marcia turned away without speaking to Jack, Miss Eagen smiled and held out her hand.
Marcia went to her and took the hand. They went into the hospital. Miss Eagen didn't speak; she seemed to be waiting.
"Yes, I know who Jack's spinning the ship for," said Marcia.
Miss Eagen looked an unspoken question.
Marcia said, painfully, "He's like the Captain of the Elsinore. He's risking his life for a—a stranger. A jaywalker. Not for me. Not even for his baby."
"Does it hurt to know that?"
Marcia looked into the smooth, strong face and said with genuine astonishment, "Hurt? Oh, no! It's so—so big!"
There was a sudden thunder. Over Miss Eagen's shoulder, through the port, Marcia saw the stars begin to move. Miss Eagen followed her gaze. "He's started the spin. You'll be all right now."