"Most new Opinioners prefer the Special," Wonderson said. "The little extra simulated handmade touches increase the public's respect." "In that case I'll take the Special." "Yes, sir. Though if you could wait a day or two, we will be having in a new fabric--a simulated Home Loom, complete with natural weaving mistakes. For the man of status discrimination. A real prestige item." "Perhaps I'll come back for that," Barrent said. "Right now, I need a ready-wear." "Of course, sir," Wonderson said, disappointed but hiding it bravely. "If you'll wait just one little minute...." After several fittings, Barrent found himself wearing a black business suit with a thin edge of white piping around the lapels. To his inexperienced eye it looked almost exactly like the other suits Wonderson had on display for bankers, stock brokers, grocers, accountants, and the like. But for Wonderson, who talked about the banker's lapel and the insurance agent's drape, the differences were as clear as the gross status-symbols of Omega. Barrent decided it was just a question of training. "There, sir!" Wonderson said. "A perfect fit, and a fabric guaranteed for a lifetime. All for thirty-nine ninety-five." "Excellent," Barrent said. "Now, about the money--" "Yes, sir?" Barrent took the plunge. "I haven't any." "You haven't, sir? That's quite unusual." "Yes, it is," Barrent said. "However, I _do_ have certain articles of value." From his pocket he took three diamond rings with which the Group on Omega had supplied him. "These stones are genuine diamonds, as any jeweler will be glad to attest. If you would take one of them until I have the money for payment--" "But, sir," Wonderson said, "diamonds and such have no intrinsic value. They haven't since '23, when Von Blon wrote the definitive work destroying the concept of scarcity value." "Of course," Barrent said, at a loss for words. Wonderson looked at the rings. "I suppose these have a sentimental value, though." "Certainly. We've had them in the family for generations." "In that case," Wonderson said, "I wouldn't want to deprive you of them. Please, no arguments, sir! Sentiment is the most priceless of emotions. I couldn't sleep nights if I took even one of these family heirlooms from you." "But there's the matter of payment." "Pay me at your leisure." "You mean you'll trust me, even though you don't know me?" "Most certainly," Wonderson said. He smiled archly. "Trying out your Opinioner's methods, aren't you? Well, even a child knows that our civilization is based upon trust, not collateral. It is axiomatic that even a stranger is to be trusted until he has conclusively and unmistakably proven otherwise." "Haven't you ever been cheated?" "Of course not. Crime is nonexistent these days." "In that case," Barrent asked, "what about Omega?" "I beg your pardon?" "Omega, the prison planet. You must have heard of it."