"They don't have maids here. She's being neighborly. And they have sort of a "power corrupts" philosophy here. If you're in a position of authority, you're sort of expected to go out and do humble tasks for people once in awhile, so you won't get to feeling above them. These people like to keep everyone on the same low--" "But head of the Council!" Kirk broke in. "She's just a young girl!" "So what? You're just a young man." "But--" "Sorry for the levity. But they let women do everything here. They've got equality of the sexes, old man. They--" "We'd better be starting back," Kirk broke in. He rose to his feet. He walked silently down the hill beside Cortland, his head whirling. * * * * * When they reached the village, he left Cortland as quickly as he could and hurried in the direction of his house, incoherent thoughts tumbling over each other in his mind. His face burned as he remembered his condescension, the way he had fought his desire for her by holding her off with curt remarks, indicating with raised eyebrows that he wished no personal conversation. He thought of the occasional glint of amusement he had seen breaking through her serene courtesy. Why had she kept coming, he wondered. He saw, with a start, that he was nearly to his house, and he realized he had been hoping Nanae would be there. He had to talk to her, though he had no idea what he would say. As he drew closer, he saw a flicker of motion inside the porch. He walked forward quietly, and then stood a moment watching her, silently. She had her back to him and was sweeping, as she had been that first time he saw her. Her thighs were wrapped in soft, violet cloth, and a cascade of violet flowers jeweled the lovely hair which rippled and swirled down her back and shoulders. Not a wasted motion, he thought, not a gesture that isn't beautiful. He wondered why he had ever felt sweeping a floor was a menial task. She moved like a great dancer. She turned as he watched and saw him. "Hello." She smiled, and he felt himself tremble a little. "I just heard about you--about your being head of the Council," he blurted out. "I want to apologize; I didn't know, I--" "What difference does it make?" She looked genuinely puzzled. "I thought you were a maid, a ... a sort of person who waits on other people, on Terra," he tried to explain. "I didn't know you were just doing this to be kind. I've been very rude. I--I hardly know what to say...." Her eyes widened. "Do you treat people who clean your houses on Terra one way and officials another? You are funny, you Terrans." "Yes, I guess we are funny." He searched for words. "This is the first time I've really talked to you, isn't it?" She smiled. "We've just been people in the same room." She spoke gently. "I've seen you were unhappy and confused under that proud manner. I wanted to help, but you weren't ready to let anyone help." "Why did you keep coming?" He waited anxiously for her answer.