"Yes."
"You're my only hope, wild as it seems. Vassi, wouldn't it be helpful
to your research to have a real live person from my time to study?"
* * * * *
Vassi spoke slowly. "You mean you would be willing to have us--study
you?"
"Within limits.... No, not within limits."
"They'll be very angry if I come back without my research project."
"Are people that cold in your time?" asked Julia.
"Cold?" Vassi repeated in bewilderment.
"Heartless?"
"Heartless? I hardly think so."
"I mean callous, without pity, without compassion."
"I've been very busy. I haven't thought about it."
"Do men and women marry in your time?"
"Yes, they do."
"Are you married?"
"No, you see, I'm not very--presentable. Besides, I have my research."
"To me you're the most beautiful man in the world."
"You can't see me. If you saw me, you wouldn't think so."
"I can hear you. That's all I need."
Julia turned from the window and walked back to the couch. When she sat
down she could feel herself trembling. Never, never in her life had she
spoken to a man like that. Maybe, if she could see him, his eyes would
be mocking her.
She said, "If you take me back with you, then later when I'm well I
could come back with you and show you everything you would want to see.
Then I could be your guide."
He was standing in front of her. She could hear him breathing again.
There was excitement in his breathing; she was sure of it.