"There can be one answer. When?"
"As soon as possible."
Guy searched the other man's mind for any ulterior motive and found
none. He feared to increase the sensitivity of his instrument because
of the necessity of fiddling with the tuning and gain controls before
their eyes. He nodded, smiled and gave Leilanane a little hug. "You're
it," he said. "Now go away."
Leilanane left, and Guy sat quiet for a moment, thinking. Thomakein had
solved his problem again. No matter how he felt, Guy knew that what had
been growing was not to be. He asked: "Are you on the level?"
"I am. I've loved her a long time."
"Good. I think rather well of my sister."
"I know."
"Look, Tom, you're not doing this just to break this up?"
"Not entirely. Forgive me if I ramble a moment, but I want you to
understand. You are never out of danger, Guy. You never will be as long
as you are lanee. Once you retire, you can accept the alternative of
utter retirement, or you may be more inclined to a less public life.
People will revere you always, but your importance will wane, and your
words will be less quoted and less watched until you are safe from
chance slips of the tongue.
"Now I want to be lanee--permit me that. As I have said, I've been
too far from Ertene too long. People know me, but not well enough.
You sponsor this marriage, and it will be practically an endorsement
from you. Then in a kiloday you may announce your retirement and I'll
announce my candidacy. The family tie-up will run me in on a wave of
popularity. As for Leilanane, I'll be as good and as loving a husband
as I can. I know that she'll be a good wife."
"I haven't heard the word 'love' used yet."
Thomakein smiled wryly. "Honest, Guy, it always struck me slightly
silly to hear two grown, mature, intelligent, strong, capable men
discussing love. Forgive me. I feel that some things should be kept
between the man and the woman alone. I do love Leilanane, that I
promise."
"O.K.," laughed Guy. "Go ahead and commit matrimony. But look, Tom,
once you get settled and running, see if you can find a friend for me."
* * * * *
Forty days later, Guy led Leilanane down the long aisle with a
golden cord. The choral voice of the great organ rolled sonorously,
exultantly, and then faded to a musical whisper as the couple reached
the altar bar. The ceremony started, and its origin was lost in
antiquity but returned in symbol. Guy removed the golden halo from
Leilanane's head, and burned it on the flame-blackened pedestal.
Thomakein accepted the protection of the woman as Guy's protection was
removed and destroyed by the all-consuming fire.
Guy returned up the long aisle alone where he stood to watch the final
phases of the ceremony.
The bridal couple clasped hands, and then as the music rolled out
again, they left the altar bar hand in hand. They stopped before Guy,
who smiled and said: "Life, love, and happiness."
Then he shook his head. The official ceremony was over, and Guy grinned
hugely. He pried them apart and took an arm of each, leaving the chapel
with them. He handed them into their flier, and motioned them away with
a jerking movement of his thumb. "Beat it," he said, "and don't return
until you're better acquainted."
Guy returned to his offices and called for Charalas.