Атлант расправил плечи
The Man who belonged on Earth
ButIamsurethatitwouldnotinterestyou.Itisapurelytechnologicalundertaking."
"Yes,dosparemethestory.Ihavenotimeforyourtechnologicalundertakings."
"MayIsuggestthatitwouldbeadvisabletorefrainfrommentioningthewords‘ProjectX’toanyone,Dr.Stadler?"
"Oh,allright,allright.ImustsayIdonotenjoydiscussionsofthatkind."
"Butofcourse!AndIwouldn’tforgivemyselfifIallowedyourtimetobetakenupbysuchconcerns.Pleasefeelcertainthatyoumaysafelyleaveittome."Hemadeamovementtorise."Nowifthiswasthereasonyouwantedtoseeme,pleasebelievethatI—"
"No,"saidDr.Stadlerslowly."ThiswasnotthereasonIwantedtoseeyou."
Dr.Ferrisvolunteerednoquestions,noeageroffersofservice;heremainedseated,merelywaiting.
Dr.Stadlerreachedoverandmadethebookslidefromthecornertothecenterofhisdesk,withacontemptuousflickofonehand."Willyoutellme,please,"heasked,"whatisthispieceofindecency?"
Dr.Ferrisdidnotglanceatthebook,butkepthiseyesfixedonStadler’sforaninexplicablemoment;thenheleanedbackandsaidwithanoddsmile,"Ifeelhonoredthatyouchosetomakesuchanexceptionformysakeasreadingapopularbook.Thislittlepiecehassoldtwentythousandcopiesintwoweeks."
"Ihavereadit.
