Конец вечности

           Harlansaid,speakingascasuallyashecouldtoavoidlettingitseemthathisremarkhadanyconnectionatallwithwhatTwissellhadjustsaid,"How’smyCub?"

           "Fine,fine,"saidTwissell,withonlyhalfhismind,apparently,onhiswords.Hetookaquickpuffattheshorteningtubeoftobacco,indulgedinaquicknodofdismissal,andhurriedoff.

           ItemThree:theCub.

           Heseemedolder.Thereseemedtobeagreaterfeelingofmaturitytohimasheheldouthishandandsaid,"Gladtoseeyouback,Harlan."

           Orwasitmerelythat,whereearlierHarlanhadbeenconsciousofCooperonlyasapupil,henowseemedmorethanaCub.HenowseemedagiganticinstrumentinthehandsoftheEternals.NaturallyhecouldnothelpbutattainanewstatureinHarlan’seyes.

           Harlantriednottoshowthat.TheywereinHarlan’sownquarters,andtheTechnicianbaskedinthecreamyporcelainsurfacesabouthim,gladtobeoutoftheornatesplashofthe482nd.Tryashemighttoassociatethewildbaroqueofthe482ndwithNoys,heonlysucceededinassociatingitwithFinge.WithNoysheassociatedapink,satinytwilightand,strangely,thebareausterityoftheSectionsoftheHiddenCenturies.

           Hespokehastily,almostasthoughhewereanxioustohidehisdangerousthoughts.