Mr. Jenner. What was your impression? I want your impression of how your husband got along.
Mrs. Paine. Okay. He was initially very interested in learning what sort of man this was who had taken such a dramatic and unusual step to go to the Soviet Union and attempt to renounce his citizenship. He thought here is a person that must have thought things out for himself, a very individualistic person, not a follower of the masses, and he wanted to hear what the ideology was that led Lee to this step.
Michael has told me that he very soon felt that there wasn't much ideology or thought, foundation. That Michael had thought he might be able to learn from this man something and find at least good thinking going on or inquiry, but he didn't find it. He rather found very rigid adherence to a few principles such as the principle of the capitalist exploiting the worker, and that this was a great moral failing of the capitalistic society. Michael's own feeling was that Lee's view of morality was very different from Michael's.
Mr. Jenner. In what respect, Mrs. Paine?
Mrs. Paine. Michael recalls having—now, this is later. This is not that evening. Did you expect it was? This is answering your question of Michael's impression of Lee.
Mr. Jenner. I wanted his initial impression.
Mrs. Paine. All initial impressions. Well, I have passed that. I have gone considerably past it, in fact.
Mr. Jenner. I see. How many times had you seen Marina up to this moment, that is, up to April 2?
Mrs. Paine. It was two or three times besides the initial party in February.
Mr. Jenner. And your best recollection is that this was a nice, pleasant evening, and that was about all?