"In the office of Mr. First. He wanted to talk to me."
"You went outside zone? Whatever for?"
Sethos rose and took her shoulders firmly in his hands.
"This man is from another planet, Ela. He told me that people live all
over the universe!"
"You don't say!"
"They left the earth a long time ago. They've traveled between the stars
for centuries and centuries!"
"That's wonderful, dear. Help me with this pot of dye, will you, Seth?"
Sethos drew back, unbelieving.
"Ela.... The stars are trillions of miles apart. Men have learned to fly
between them somehow!"
"It's breathtaking. The dye?"
"Quintillions, some of them! Think of it, Ela!" Sethos was shaking with
agitation.
"Dearest," said Ela, moving away from him, "do you think we might move
closer to Center after my Plaza crystal is finished? I'd like to be able
to look out and see it every morning in the sun...."