Атлант расправил плечи

           Thenshedroppedherheadforaninstant,smilinginmirthlessamusementatherself.Shewonderedwhetherherlightedwindows,intheblackimmensityofthecity,wereaflareofdistress,callingforhishelp—oralighthousestillprotectingtherestoftheworld.

           Thedoorbellrang.

           Whensheopenedthedoor,shesawthesilhouetteofagirlwithafaintlyfamiliarface—andittookheramomentofstartledastonishmenttorealizethatitwasCherrylTaggart.ExceptforaformalexchangeofgreetingsonafewchanceencountersinthehallsoftheTaggartBuilding,theyhadnotseeneachothersincethewedding.

           Cherryl’sfacewascomposedandunsmiling."Wouldyoupermitmetospeaktoyou"—shehesitatedandendedon—"MissTaggart?"

           "Ofcourse,"saidDagnygravely."Comein."

           ShesensedsomedesperateemergencyintheunnaturalcalmofCherryl’smanner;shebecamecertainofitwhenshelookedatthegirl’sfaceinthelightofthelivingroom."Sitdown,"shesaid,butCherrylremainedstanding.

           "Icametopayadebt,"saidCherryl,hervoicesolemnwiththeefforttopermitherselfnosoundofemotion."IwanttoapologizeforthethingsIsaidtoyouatmywedding.There’snoreasonwhyyoushouldforgiveme,butit’smyplacetotellyouthatIknowIwasinsultingeverythingIadmireanddefendingeverythingIdespise.