“In a sense, this is one of our compromises,” he said, as we sat down in the adjoining room. “Doctor Sanson wants to forbid the use of nicotine as impairing the productive efficiency of the race. But the Council thinks the narcotic has a restraining influence—” He broke off as Elizabeth looked at him rather significantly. “I understand, then, that the old tendencies toward the illogical and the unnecessary have not been entirely conquered?” I asked. “No, no!” said David emphatically. “Private apartments, for instance, instead of the phalanstery. And then the tabloid floods! The human stomach still demands bulk as well as nutriment. Still, it is claimed that with education—” “Do you remember the legend of the man who educated his ass to live on a single straw a day?” asked Elizabeth. We laughed; but I was still conscious of the restraint. “Then, of course, people are too lazy, when hungry, to weigh their food and calculate it in calories,” David continued. “Doctor Sanson is fighting the abuse of protein. He claims that its decrease will set free more workers to apply themselves to more productive labor instead of food-raising, and will also lengthen the productive life of the individual. But we are still protein gluttons.” “The chicken—” interposed Elizabeth. It seemed to me that the girl had some serious purpose in her interruptions. I was beginning to realize that she still feared me; I wondered why. “And you may have observed that the eternal feminine has baffled Doctor Sanson’s desire to abolish the skirt,” continued David. “In fact, human nature seems to flow on in much the same old way beneath the surface of civilization. I am inclined to think that our economic changes have not seriously amended it.” “Father, if you are going to talk like a heretic, I shall leave you!” exclaimed Elizabeth, rising. She left the room, and David followed her. Presently he came back alone. “Arnold,” he began, seating himself and knocking the ashes from his cigar, “my daughter is troubled about my frankness with you. You know there is a period of necessary restraint just now, owing to the final adjustment being incomplete. Some of the oldest men remember the former régime. The Council is strict, and—in short, Arnold, I am putting my own safety in your hands because I trust you, and also because—” He broke off in confusion. “You need to know so much before you face the Council,” he resumed. “Arnold, some time I will receive your confidence, and then—well, this misunderstanding will be cleared away.” I shook his hand warmly. “I suppose I am not permitted to leave the apartment?” I asked.