te
so ... so mannish."

"What do you expect of Bachelors' Hall--a boudoir? Don't tell me
_you're_ going domestic, Sandy, just because you've got a house?"

"Not just that, no. But of course it helped it along."

"Alex is a mighty good man. One of the finest I have ever known."

She eyed him for a moment in silence. "Jarvis Hilton, you are one of the
keenest, most intelligent men who ever lived. And yet ..." She broke off
and studied him for a good half minute. "Say, if I let my hair clear
down, will you?"

"Scout's Oath. That 'and yet' requires elucidation at any cost."

"I know. But first, yes, it's Alex. I never would have believed that any
man ever born could hit me so hard. Soon. I didn't want to be the first,
but I won't be anywhere near the last. But tell me. You were really in
love with Temple, weren't you, when I asked you?"

"Yes."

"Ha! You _are_ letting your hair down! That makes me feel better."

"Huh? Why should it?"

"It elucidates the 'and yet' no end. You were insulated from all other
female charms by ye brazen Bells. You see, most of us assistants made a
kind of game out of seeing which of us could make you break the
Executives' Code. And none of us made it. Teddy and Temple said you
didn't know what was going on; Bev and I said nobody as smart as you are
could possibly be that stupid."

"You aren't the type to leak or name names--oh, I see. You are merely
reporting a conversation. The game had interested, but non-participating,
observers. Temple and Teddy, at least."

"At least," she agreed. "But damn it, you _aren't_ stupid. There isn't a
stupid bone in your head. So it must be love. And if so, what about
marriage? Why don't you and Temple make it a double with Alex and me?"

"That's the most cogent thought you ever had, but setting the date is
the bride's business." He glanced at his Oman wristwatch. "It's early
yet; let's skip over. I wouldn't mind seeing her a minute or two."

"Thy statement ringeth with truth, friend. Bill's there with Teddy?"

"I imagine so."

"So we'll talk to them about making it a triple. Oh, nice--let's go!"

They left the house and, her hand tucked under his elbow, walked up the
street.

* * * * *

Next morning, on her way to the Hall of Records, Sandra stopped off as
usual at the office. The Omans were all standing motionless. Hilton was
leaning far back in his chair, feet on desk, hands clasped behind head,
eyes closed