Атлант расправил плечи

           Shelistened,andwhatshefeltwasnotshock,butworse:thelackofshock,asifshehadalwaysknownit."Thankyou,Mr.Willers,"wasallthatshesaidwhenhefinished.

           ShewaitedforJimtocomehome,thatevening,andthethingthaterodedanypainorindignation,wasafeelingofherowndetachment,asifitdidnotmattertoheranylonger,asifsomeactionwererequiredofher,butitmadenodifferencewhattheactionwouldbeortheconsequences.

           ItwasnotangerthatshefeltwhenshesawJimentertheroom,butamurkyastonishment,almostasifshewonderedwhohewasandwhyitshouldnowbenecessarytospeaktohim.Shetoldhimwhatsheknew,briefly,inatired,extinguishedvoice.Itseemedtoherthatheunderstooditfromherfirstfewsentences,asifhehadexpectedthistocomesoonerorlater.

           "Whydidn’tyoutellmethetruth?"sheasked.

           "Sothat’syourideaofgratitude?"hescreamed."Sothat’showyoufeelaftereverythingI’vedoneforyou?EverybodytoldmethatcrudenessandselfishnesswasallIcouldexpectforliftingacheaplittlealleycatbythescruffofherneck!"

           Shelookedathimasifheweremakinginarticulatesoundsthatconnectedtonothinginsidehermind.