"But the family is forbidden. It is very wrong, very uneugenic. You must be a wicked man to speak to me of that." "You have been taught some very foolish ideas," I replied. "How dare you!" she cried, in alarm. "I have been taught what is right, and I want to do what is right and loyal. I passed all my examinations. I am a good mother-elect, and you say these forbidden things to me. You talk of love and families. You insult me. And if you select me, I shall--I shall claim exemption,--" and with that she rose and darted through the inner door. I waited for a time and then gently approached the door, which I saw had swung to with springs and had neither latch nor lock. My gentle rap upon the hollow panel was answered by a muffled sob. I realized the hopelessness of further words and silently turned from the door and left the apartment. The streets of the level were almost deserted for the curfew had rung and the lights glowed dim as in a hospital ward at night. I hurried silently along, shut in by enclosing walls and the lowering ceiling of the street. From everywhere I seemed to feel upon me the beseeching, haunting grey eyes of Frau Matilda. My soul was troubled, for it seemed to stagger beneath the burden of its realization of a lost humanity. And with me walked grey shadows of other men, felt-footed through the gloom, and they walked hurriedly as men fleeing from a house of death. ~6~ My next duty as a German father-elect was to report to the Eugenic Office. There at least I could deal with men; and there I went, nursing rebellion yet trying my utmost to appear outwardly calm. To the clerk I offered my three signed cards by way of introduction. "And which do you select?" asked the oldish man over his rimless glasses. "None." "Ah, but you must." "But what if I refuse to do so?" "That is most unusual." "But does it ever happen?" "Well, yes," admitted the clerk, "but only by Petition Extraordinary to the Chief of the Staff. But it is most unusual, and if he refuses to grant it you may be dishonoured even to the extent of having your election to paternity suspended, may be even permanently cancelled." "You mean"--I stammered. "Exactly--you refuse to accept any one of the three women when all are most scientifically selected for you. Does it not throw some doubts upon your own psychic fitness for mating at all? If I may suggest, Herr Colonel--it would be wiser for you to select some one of the three--you have yet plenty of time." "No," I said, trying to hide my elation. "I will not do so. I will make the Petition Extraordinary to your chief." "Now?" stammered the clerk. "Yes, now; how do I go about it?" "You must first consult the Investigator." After a few formalities I was conducted to that official. "You refuse to make selection?" inquired the Investigator. "Yes." "Why?" "Because," I replied, "I am engaged upon some chemical research of most unusual nature--"