Excitement brought color to her cheeks when she thought of Earl facing one of them—a lean, cunning jaguar facing a fat, lazy bear. It was her notion that federal Agents were evil creatures, tools of a decadent, bloodthirsty society, living off the fat of the land.
She painted the room herself, in soft, pastel colors. When it was finished she showed Earl regally into the room, making a big joke of it.
"Here you can study and relax, and have those bull sessions students are always having," she said.
"There will be no friends," he answered, "not here. No Konvs will be at the university."
"Why not? Stinson selected only educated, intelligent people. When one dies the cylinder is taken and adjusted to a new thought pattern—usually a person from the same family. I would say it is very likely that Konvs will be found here."
He shook his head. "No. They knew we were coming, and no one said a word about others being here. I'm afraid we are alone."
"Well, I think not," she said firmly. "Anyway, the room will be comfortable."
He shook his head again. "Why can't I be in the house with you? There are two bedrooms."
She said quickly, "You can if you wish. I just thought you'd like being alone, at your age. Most boys do."