White Blackmail

           "Whattimeisit?"

           It’srunningout,thoughtRearden—butheanswered,"Idon’tknow,Notyetmidnight,"andrememberinghiswristwatch,added,"Twentyof."

           "I’mgoingtotakeatrainhome,"saidLillian.

           Heheardthesentence,butithadtowaititsturntoenterthecrowdedpassagestohisconsciousness.Hestoodlookingabsentlyatthelivingroomofhissuite,afewminutes’elevatorrideawayfromtheparty.Inamoment,heansweredautomatically,"Atthishour?"

           "It’sstillearly.Thereareplentyoftrainsrunning."

           "You’rewelcometostayhere,ofcourse."

           "No,IthinkIprefertogohome."Hedidnotargue."Whataboutyou,Henry?Doyouintendgoinghometonight?"

           "No."Headded,"Ihavebusinessappointmentsheretomorrow."

           "Asyouwish."

           Sheshruggedhereveningwrapoffhershoulders,caughtitonherarmandstartedtowardthedoorofhisbedroom,butstopped.

           "IhateFranciscod’Anconia,"shesaidtensely."Whydidhehavetocometothatparty?Anddidn’theknowenoughtokeephismouthshut,atleasttilltomorrowmorning?"Hedidnotanswer."It’smonstrous—whathe’sallowedtohappentohiscompany.