Атлант расправил плечи

           Hereachedovermechanicallyandtookthesuitcaseoutofherhand.

           "Whatareyoudoing?"sheasked.

           "I’mgoingtotakeyoutothestation."

           "Likethis?Youhaven’tchangedyourclothes."

           "Itdoesn’tmatter."

           "Youdon’thavetoescortme.I’mquiteabletofindmyownway.Ifyouhavebusinessappointmentstomorrow,you’dbettergotobed."

           Hedidnotanswer,butwalkedtothedoor,helditopenforherandfollowedhertotheelevator.

           Theyremainedsilentwhentheyrodeinataxicabtothestation.Atsuchmomentsasherememberedherpresence,henoticedthatshesatefficientlystraight,almostflauntingtheperfectionofherpoise;sheseemedalertlyawakeandcontented,asifshewerestartingoutonapurposefuljourneyofearlymorning.

           ThecabstoppedattheentrancetotheTaggartTerminal.Thebrightlightsfloodingthegreatglassdoorwaytransformedthelatenessofthehourintoasenseofactive,timelesssecurity.Lillianjumpedlightlyoutofthecab,saying,"No,no,youdon’thavetogetout,driveonback.

           Willyoubehomefordinnertomorrow—ornextmonth?"

           "I’lltelephoneyou,"hesaid.

           Shewavedherglovedhandathimanddisappearedintothelightsoftheentrance.Asthecabstartedforward,hegavethedrivertheaddressofDagny’sapartment.