Атлант расправил плечи

           Somanyfamilieshavemovedawaythatwhat’slefthereisplainnogood,ifIdosaysomyself,plainnogood,justbeingMayorofabunchoftrash."

           Hehadofferedchairstohistwovisitors,buthedidnotminditiftheladypreferredtostandattheporchrailing.Heleanedback,studyingherlong-linedfigure;high-classmerchandise,hethought;butthen,themanwithherwasobviouslyrich.

           DagnystoodlookingatthestreetsofRome.Therewerehouses,sidewalks,lampposts,evenasignadvertisingsoftdrinks;buttheylookedasifitwerenowonlyamatterofinchesandhoursbeforethetownwouldreachthestageofStarnesville.

           "Naw,there’snofactoryrecordsleft,"saidMayorBascom."Ifthat’swhatyouwanttofind,lady,giveitup.It’slikechasingleavesinastormnow.Justlikeleavesinastorm.Whocaresaboutpapers?Atatimelikethis,whatpeoplesaveisgood,solid,materialobjects.One’sgottobepractical."

           Throughthedustywindowpanes,theycouldseethelivingroomofhishouse:therewerePersianrugsonabuckledwoodenfloor,aportablebarwithchromiumstripsagainstawallstainedbytheseepageoflastyear’srains,anexpensiveradiowithanoldkerosenelampplacedontopofit.

           "Sure,it’smethatsoldthefactorytoMarkYonts.Markwasanicefellow,anice,lively,energeticfellow.Sure,hedidtrimafewcorners,butwhodoesn’t?Ofcourse,hewentabittoofar.That,Ididn’texpect.