"The Masters of the City," she retorted briefly. "It is not suitable that we discuss them here and now. Wait until to-morrow. Then you yourself will become, I hope, a Superlative, and as such will receive all the necessary information."
The ex-lawyer accepted the snub meekly, but dared one further question.
"Are Mercy and Judge Virtue Servants of Penn?"
"Mr. Mercy and Mr. Virtue are both of the Inner Order. You will do very well not to cross their path-er-Drayton."
He made no further comment, but determined to use every opportunity to get at the true inwardness of this singular system and the toleration of it by the so-called "Numbers." Were all other cities like this? They must be, he thought, or no one would choose this one to live in.
The Loveliest herself seemed strangely devoid of curiosity regarding her proteges' past lives and histories. Indeed, twice she checked Trenmore when he would have volunteered information along this line. "You must not tell me these things," she declared. "Even we Superlatives are not permitted to learn of other places and customs-are not supposed to know that such exist!"
At this preposterous statement Bertram, who had been going about with an air of pained boredom, became interested.
"Say, lady, don't you folks ever go traveling anywheres?"
Had he suggested something indelicate, she could have looked no more horrified.
"Traveling outside of Philadelphia? I should hope not! Besides, such an outrage would never be permitted, I assure you."