In the refectory Glawen and Lilo were served bread, beans and boiled greens from a row of iron pots. They went to sit at a long table. About thirty other members of the order hunched over their platters. Glawen asked Lilo: "Is anyone here your special friend?"
"We love each other and all of humanity with the same deep fervor. You must do the same."
"I find it hard to love Mutis."
"At times Mutis is inclined to be arbitrary."
"But you love him, nonetheless?"
After a moment Lilo said: "All of us must generate our share of universal love."
"Why waste any on the likes of Mutis?"
"Ssst! Quiet! You are a noisy person. In the refectory silence is the rule. Many of us set aside this time to ponder, or to clarify some apparent parados, and no one wants to be disturbed."
"Sorry."
Lilo looked down at Glawen's plate.
"Why aren't you eating?"
"The food is revolting. The beans are spoiled and the greens are burned."
"You will be hungry if you do not eat."
"Better hungry than sick."
"Come, then; there is no point sitting here in idleness."
Once more in the chamber Lilo primly seated herself in the chair, and Glawen sat on the cot. Lilo said: "We should now discuss the Primordials."
"Let's talk about something more interesting," said Glawen.
"What services does Zaa expect of me?"
Lilo gave a nervous flutter of the hand.
"I would not care to venture an opinion."
"Who telephoned to tell her I was coming?"
"I don't know. Now, in regard to the books, I will leave them at
your disposal. Since they are valuable, I have been instructed to secure a receipt." Lilo rose to her feet and extended a sheet of paper.
"You must affix your symbol and your name to this."
Glawen waved aside the receipt.
"Take the books away. I don't want them."
"But they are indispensable for your studies."
"This travesty must come to an end, the sooner the better. I am Captain Glawen Clattuc, a police officer. I am conducting an investigation. When I complete my inquiries I intend to leave."
Lilo stood frowning down at the receipt.
"Still, you must sign this paper; these are Zaa's instructions."
"Read what is written on the receipt."
In an uncertain voice Lilo read the document. "
"I, Glawen, acknowledge receipt of six books, here listed by title'"--Lilo read the titles-" 'which I will use carefully and diligently as my studies dictate. I will pay the usual royalty to the Monomantic Institute for this usage, and also a reasonable charge for sustenance, accommodation and other sundries."" .
"Give me the pen," said Glawen. At the bottom of the page he wrote: "I, Glawen Clattuc of Clattuc House, Araminta Station, Cadwal, Captain of Police and affiliate of the IPCC, will pay nothing whatever. I am here in my capacity as a police officer, and will depart as soon as convenient. Any claims for reimbursement of any kind must be made to the IPCC office at Fexelburg."
Glawen returned the paper to Lilo.
"Take the books. I do not intend to use them."
Lilo took the books and went to the door. Glawen jumped up and stood in the doorway.
"Never mind the lock. Since I am not studying, I will take my chances with distraction."
Lilo went slowly out into the hall, where she paused and looked back with a troubled expression. She said at last:
"It's better that I lock the door."
