ber of a large family?"

"She had an older brother and sister and two younger sisters."

"What were her parents like?"

"They're still living. Her father runs an implement store. It's a farm
community where they live. Wonderful people. Alice was just like them."

Dr. Winters was silent before he went on. "I have subjected you to this
mental torture for just one reason, Mr. Hastings. If it has been a
matter of any less importance I would not have told you the details of
your wife's condition, much less asking you to look at her. But this is
such an enormous scientific mystery that I must ask your cooperation in
helping to solve it. I want your permission to preserve and dissect the
body of your wife for the cause of science."

Mel looked at the Doctor in sudden sharp antagonism. "Not even give her
a burial? Let her be put away in bottles, like--like a--"

"Please don't upset yourself any more than necessary. But I do beg that
you consider what I've just proposed. Surely a moment's reflection will
show you that this is no more barbaric than our other customs regarding
our dead.

"But even this is beside the point. The girl, Alice, whom you married is
like a normal human being in every apparent external respect, yet the
organs which gave her life and enabled her to function are like nothing
encountered before in human experience. It is imperative that we
understand the meaning of this. It is yours to say whether or not we
shall have this opportunity."

Mel started to speak again, but the words wouldn't come out.

"Time is critical," said Dr. Winters, "but I don't want to force you to
an instantaneous answer. Take thirty minutes to think about it. Within
that time, additional means of preservation must be taken. I regret that
I must be in such haste, but I urge that your answer be yes."

Dr. Winters moved towards the door, but Mel gestured for him to remain.

"I want to see her again," Mel said.

"There is no need. You have been tortured enough. Remember your wife as
you have known her all her life, not as you saw her a moment ago."

"If you want my answer let me see her again."

* * *

Dr. Winters led the way silently back to the cold room. Mel drew down
the cover only far enough to expose the face of Alice. There was no
mistake. Somehow he had been hoping that all this would turn out to be
some monstrous error. But there was no error.

Would she want me to do what the Doctor has asked?