Without comment Glawen obeyed. Upon his return to the chamber the door was closed and presumably locked. On the table Glawen discovered his usual supper, which he ate without appetite. Presently Mutis came to take the empty pots.
The time was now evening. The misty lavender afterglow had left the sky; through the windows came starlight from the far flow of Mircea's Wisp.
Half an hour passed. Glawen remained at the table, sorting through the papers he had brought with him. The door opened;
Lito came slowly into the room, looking neither right nor left. Glawen assessed her with interest. She wore white trousers, a tan-gray blouse and
sandals. The entire effect of her being had altered; she was barely recognizable as the pale big-eyed creature Glawen had met before. Her hair had grown into a crop of loose chestnut curls, framing a face which now seemed thin and fragile rather than gaunt and which perhaps through time spent in the open had taken on a dusky tan color. She seemed pensive and composed; Glawen could divine nothing more of her mood.
Lilo came slowly forward. Glawen rose to his feet. She halted and asked: "Why do you stare at me?"
"From surprise. You seem a different person."
Lilo nodded.
"I feel a different person someone with whom I am not yet familiar."
"Are you pleased with the change?"
"I'm not sure. Do you think I should be?"
"Certainly. You seem normal almost. In any city no one would look twice at you except perhaps to admire you."
Lilo shrugged.
"It was a change which I was ordered to make.
I was afraid I would seem grotesque or garish or vulgar."
"Small chance of that."
"Do you know why I am here?"
"I can guess."
"I am embarrassed."
Glawen gavea short laugh.
"Embarrassment is a luxury now beyond my reach. I have forgotten that such an emotion exists."
Lilo spoke in a troubled voice: "It is not necessary to think such thoughts. What must be done must be done. And so I am here."
Glawen reached out and took her hands.
"I suppose Mutis is watching through a spy hole."
"No. The walls are solid rock. Spy holes are not possible."
"I'm glad to hear that, at least. Well, then, let's get on with it."
Glawen led her to the cot. Lilo hung back.
"I think I'm frightened."
"There's nothing to fear. Just relax."
Lilo followed Glawen's instructions, and the event went without unforeseen incident. Glawen asked: "So now what is your opinion of Duality?"
Lilo pressed as close to him as- possible.
"I don't -know how to explain. I am probably thinking wrong thoughts."
"How so?"
"I don't want to share you with the others."
"Others? How many others?"
"About twelve. Zaa will come tomorrow, if all has gone well tonight."
"You are expected to report to her?"
"Naturally. She is waiting in her office."
"Will you tell her once again that I am an erotic maniac?"
Lilo was puzzled.
