Атлант расправил плечи

           Itwasnotthesmoothskinthatattractedhisglance,nottheexposedriseofherbreasts,butthefraudofthesafetypinbeyondtheedge.

           "I’dliketoseehimbeaten,"hesaid."I’dliketohearhimscreamwithpain,justonce."

           "Youwon’t,Jimmy."

           "Whydoeshethinkhe’sbetterthantherestofus—heandthatsisterofmine?"

           Shechuckled.Heroseasifshehadslappedhim.Hewenttothebarandpouredhimselfanotherdrink,notofferingtorefillherglass.

           Shewasspeakingintospace,staringpasthim."Hedidnoticemyexistence—eventhoughIcan’tlayrailroadtracksforhimanderectbridgestothegloryofhisMetal.Ican’tbuildhismills—butIcandestroythem.Ican’tproducehisMetal—butIcantakeitawayfromhim.Ican’tbringmendowntotheirkneesinadmiration—butIcanbringthemdowntotheirknees."

           "Shutup!"hescreamedinterror,asifshewerecomingtooclosetothatfogboundalleywhichhadtoremainunseen.

           Sheglancedupathisface."You’resuchacoward,Jim."

           "Whydon’tyougetdrunk?"hesnapped,stickinghisunfinisheddrinkathermouth,asifhewantedtostrikeher.

           Herfingershalf-closedlimplyabouttheglass,andshedrank,spillingtheliquordownherchin,herbreastandhergown.