suffered more than the average
from radiation. In that case, if she did bear children later on, they
would be more apt to carry a defective heredity, producing an undue
number of monsters and freaks in future generations, and so
contaminating the race.

Of course she understood it. She could hardly remember the time when she
didn't. Years ago? Centuries? There wasn't much difference in a place
where time was endless.

* * * * *

His lecture finished, her husband smiled and grew almost cheerful.

"Now that you're going to have a child, that's all in the background
again. Do you know, Effie, that when I first came in, I had some very
good news for you? I'm to become a member of the Junior Committee and
the announcement will be made at the banquet tonight." He cut short her
mumbled congratulations. "So brighten yourself up and put on your best
dress. I want the other Juniors to see what a handsome wife the new
member has got." He paused. "Well, get a move on!"

She spoke with difficulty, still not looking at him. "I'm terribly
sorry, Hank, but you'll have to go alone. I'm not well."

He straightened up with an indignant jerk. "There you go again! First
that infantile, inexcusable business of the shutters, and now this! No
feeling for my reputation at all. Don't be ridiculous, Effie. You're
coming!"

"Terribly sorry," she repeated blindly, "but I really can't. I'd just be
sick. I wouldn't make you proud of me at all."

"Of course you won't," he retorted sharply. "As it is, I have to spend
half my energy running around making excuses for you--why you're so odd,
why you always seem to be ailing, why you're always stupid and snobbish
and say the wrong thing. But tonight's really important, Effie. It will
cause a lot of bad comment if the new member's wife isn't present. You
know how just a hint of sickness starts the old radiation-disease rumor
going. You've _got_ to come, Effie."

She shook her head helplessly.

"Oh, for heaven's sake, come on!" he shouted, advancing on her. "This is
just a silly mood. As soon as you get going, you'll snap out of it.
There's nothing really wrong with you at all."

He put his hand on her shoulder to turn her around, and at his touch her
face suddenly grew so desperate and gray that for a moment he was
alarmed in spite of himself.

"Really?" he asked, almost with a note of concern.

She nodded miserably.

"Hmm!" He stepped back and strode about i