Then he stopped short. A dozen feet away, seated on the grass with a thick book open in her lap, was Deva Warel. She looked up as he approached and grinned. “Welcome to the bull pen,” she said. “I wondered when you were going to come down. Guess I must have really scared you, huh?” “No, I was just taking my time,” he told her. He dropped down beside her on the grass and glanced at the title of the book. _Associative Reflex Circuits of the Memory Package!_ “That’s too deep for you, farmboy,” she said. “Anyway, since we’re here to court, suppose you start courting and get it over with. I’ve heard they have some real cute customs down on the farm.” “I wouldn’t know about that,” said Rick slowly. “But ordinarily we use courtesy and kindness to the animals. They’re the only creatures below an Agro Sixth Rating, of course.” She looked at him with an expression of regret in her eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way. Or maybe I _did_. I just don’t know!” She turned away again, her expression changing to one of anguish. “You couldn’t know anything about what this means to me. A week ago I hoped and halfplanned to marry a man of my own status--a Mech, First Rating. He’s a genius, and we’ve worked together all our lives.” “I’m told that’s what you have to expect in return for the benefits of the Machine’s great wisdom. But even an Agro can understand what it means to rebel. I had hopes too--of marrying the woman I loved.” * * * * * She looked up quickly, her eyes searching his face. “I didn’t know. That makes us partners in at least one respect, doesn’t it?” “I guess it does. The question is: What will they do to us for refusing to pair with each other? Will it mean prison, or alteration?” “I don’t really know. It happens so rarely. I don’t suppose you’d marry me even to escape imprisonment.” “Not if the future of the whole race depended on it,” Rick said fervently. “An Agro Sixth may not have much to be proud of. But he has a great deal of pride, just the same!” “I thought so,” said Deva. “That makes the feeling _completely mutual_.” Abruptly, she got up and moved to a more open spot away from the trees and bushes. She gestured to him to follow her. Irritated, he almost decided to walk back to the building, but his curiosity got the better of him. “Closer,” she said as he approached. “This place is wired for sound in every bush and pebble. They’re watching us from observation posts on the walls and in the buildings--and they are taking continuous pictures. They’re interested in the progress of our courtship, you see.” Rick straightened in sudden anger. The whole ordeal was becoming more disgusting by the minute. “No, be careful!” Deva said. She put her hands up and drew his head closer to her. “Pretend you are whispering endearments in my ear,” she said. “Keep your face down so they can’t get your lips on the film. They won’t be able to read your words then.”