r?"

Humbled, he departed as the girls took over the beginning of the
complicated, fortnight-long process of the rejuvenation of Barbara
Noble.

* * * * *

The receptionist behind the ebony desk, whose gold plate proclaimed it
as the headquarters of the Juvine Perpetual Youth Corporation, crammed
shut the drawer before her. A metallic clink from within was the fall
of a mirror with which she had been assisting the application of
scarlet which now fluoresced gently on her full lips.

Tossing her head (which showed the crop of glistening black curls to
the fullest advantage) in a preoccupied manner, she addressed the man
who stood before her desk. "How can the Juvine Perpetual Youth
Corporation serve you?" Her hastily assumed look of efficient
importance was replaced by melting eagerness as she took in the
chiselled perfection of features and the broad shoulders of the young
man in knife-creased bronze spunlon.

"I'm Harris. For the directors' meeting." His voice was curt.

"_You're_ Doctor Harris? The Director? Oh, do come in." She rose from
the desk and went around the end of it to open the high wrought-gold
gate and hold it wide for him. "You're a little early. I'll take you
down to the Board Room." Eager willingness to help was apparent in her
every gesture.

"Thanks, I know the way," he informed her, brushing past.

She followed him, however, across the patio-like reception room, with
its exotically gardened borders and splashing fountain, down the long
corridor past glowing murals of men and women swimming, dancing and
playing tennis, past tapestry shielded doorways to the great bright
arch at the end. Before he went through, she caught his sleeve.

"I should be pleased to steno for you today, if you need me."

He turned and looked at her as if he had not known she was behind him.
"Thanks, but I sha'n't need one. It'll be a short meeting." He smiled
down and patted her cheek. "But if I'm not entirely satisfied with the
proceedings, maybe I can dictate a little afterward."

She laughed as if that were a special joke between them and retreated
rapidly down the corridor before he had time to turn and miss the
splendor of her graceful carriage.

His eyebrows were still raised and the corners of his mouth curved in
appreciation when he passed through the arch and into the vast room
under the clear bubble of a tremendous skydome.

* * * * *

A