Some data began to emerge: "--we didn't want to trouble you with a dozen visitors, so it was agreed that I would represent the combine to, ah, sound you out, if I may so phrase it." Arch felt the stir of resentment which patronizing affability always evoked in him. He tried to be courteous: "Excuse me, but isn't that sort of thing against the anti-trust laws?" "Oh, no!" Gilmer laughed. "Quite the opposite, I assure you. If one company tried to corner this product, or if all of them went together to drive the price up, that would be illegal, of course. But we all believe in healthy competition, and only want information at the moment. Negotiations can come later." "Okay," said Arch. "I suppose you know I've already applied for a patent." "Oh, yes, of course. Very shrewd of you. I like to deal with a good businessman. I think you're more broadminded than some of your colleagues, and can better understand the idea of teamwork between business and science." Gilmer looked out the French doors to the building in the rear. "Is that your laboratory? I admire a man who can struggle against odds. You have faith, and deserve to be rewarded for it. How would you like to work with some real money behind you?" Arch paused. "You mean, take a job on somebody's staff?" "Not as a lab flunky," said Gilmer quickly. "You'd have a free hand. American business recognizes ability. You'd plan your own projects, and head them yourself. My own company is prepared to offer you twenty thousand a year to start." Arch sat without moving. "After taxes," said Gilmer. "How about this--capacitite, I call it?" "Naturally, development and marketing would be in the hands of the company, or of several companies," said Gilmer. "You wouldn't want to waste your time on account books. You'd get proper payment for the assignment, of course--" Elizabeth entered, looking stunning. Gilmer rose with elaborate courtesy, and the discussion veered to trivialities for awhile. Then the girl lit a cigaret and watched them through a haze of smoke. "Your time is valuable, Mr. Gilmer," she said abruptly. "Why don't you make an offer and we'll talk about that?" "Oh, no hurry, Mrs. Arch. I was hoping you would be my guests tonight--" "No, thanks. With all due regard for you, I don't want to be put under a moral obligation before business is discussed." Gilmer chuckled amiably and repeated the idea he had broached. "I like Westfield," said Elizabeth. "I don't like New York. It isn't fit for human consumption." "Oh, I quite agree," said Gilmer. "Once a year I have to break loose--cabin up in Maine, hunting, fishing, back to Nature--you really must come up sometime soon. Your objection can be answered easily enough. We could set up a laboratory for you here, if you really insist. You see, we're prepared to be very generous." Arch shook his head. "No," he said harshly. "No, thanks. I like being independent."