dine could be, a twinge of jealousy there.
But that was ridiculous. Nadine must be in the vicinity of thirty.
Obviously, she knew, and had known, many men as attracted to her as
was Joe Mauser--And men in her own caste, at that. Somehow, though,
he felt Holland was no Upper. The other simply didn't have the air.

Joe said to him, "Nadine doesn't get my point. I contend that in a
strata divided society, it's hard to realize yourself fully until
you're a member of the upper caste. Admittedly, perhaps you won't even
if you are such a member, but at least you haven't the obstacles with
which the lower class or classes are beset."

"Interestingly stated," Holland said briskly. He returned to his chair
from which he had arisen to shake hands with Joe, and looked at
Nadine. "You said, on introducing us, that Joe would be glad to meet
me, my dear. Why, especially?"

Nadine laughed. "Because I have been practicing your arguments upon
him."

Both of the men frowned at her.

Nadine looked at Joe. "Phil Holland's the most interesting man I know,
I do believe. He's secretary to Marlow Mannerheim, the Minister of
Foreign Affairs, and simply couldn't be more privy to the inner
workings of government. It was Phil who convinced me that something is
wrong with our socio-economic system."

"Oh?" Joe said. He wasn't really interested. Let society solve its
problems. He had his own. And they were sufficient unto themselves as
well as the day thereof. However, conversation was to be kept
moving. He needled the other. "I've heard it contended that any type
of government is good given capable, intelligent personnel to run it,
or bad if not so managed. What was the example I read somewhere? Both
heaven and hell are despotisms."

Phil Holland shrugged. "An interesting observation. However,
institutions, including socio-political ones, can become outdated.
When they do, no matter how intelligent, capable and honest the
governmental heads, that socio-political system can be a hell. If, at
such time there are capable, intelligent persons available, they will
take such measures as are necessary to change the institutions."

Nadine had come to her feet. "The subject is my favorite, but I must
change. Joe is taking me a-gliding, and I'm sure this frock isn't _de
rigueur_. You gentlemen will excuse me?" She was off before they had
time to come to their feet.

* * * * *

Joe Mauser settled himself again, cross