“How am I ever going to escape from Acquilla?” I said dejectedly, but at this moment looking down, I perceived we were about five hundred feet over the East River, which was spanned by a dozen great bridges at least a quarter of a mile in width. “But aren’t those palms and cork trees below me?” I exclaimed, peering over. “Yes. By the control of the Gulf Stream we have been able to procure a temperate zone as far north along the Atlantic coast as Newfoundland. It is middle Athena but the temperature is not below sixty.” “You have changed the course of the Gulf Stream! Then you have changed history.” “No. Of course, the strategic position we have allows us to deflect the stream after it leaves the Gulf. We divide it and send a part to the coast of Greenland, which has developed an entirely new civilization.” “But how?” “Really I don’t know--it’s all engineering and I never could understand mathematics.” “My darling Dianne, how refreshing to find a woman who doesn’t know something! But you speak of Greenland as we did. Then countries have retained their identities?” “Certainly. Women have a horror of uniformity and standardization. Climate, we know, influences the types of human brains. We do everything to preserve the genius of local areas. Internationally we govern as little as possible.” “And here--is there such a thing as the United States left?” “There is a loose alliance, of course, but there are broad divisions you did not have. There are four great states. Amazonia, which extends from Florida to Baffin Bay and as far west as the Appalachians; Dixie, which starts from Panama and goes to the Rockies; Illinois, which takes in the great lakes and the midwestern basin, and California, which takes in the whole western coast.” “But is there no conflict of interests there?” “What interests could divide us?” “Commercial interests?” “Each state produces what it is best fitted for. We have a supreme council, it is true, that controls such vital matters as health, climate, population and the distribution of energy, but in an age of pure reason it is impossible that any injustice should be done.” “Still--” “Later you will understand. Our solidarity is the solidarity of the whole human race. We are united in the pursuit of great scientific achievements. Education has broken down the barriers of prejudices and greeds. But what do you wish most to see? The hospitals, schools or museums? I must take you somewhere, you know!” she added, glancing at me with adorable mischief in her eyes. “There is just one thing I want to see above all others,” I exclaimed instantly. “I want to see my fellow men.” “I was afraid you were going to ask that,” said Dianne, looking grave. “Do you realize that since I have been here I haven’t seen a single man! Do you wonder at my curiosity? Where are they? When I try to open the subject with Acquilla she always evades me. You at least will tell me the truth.”