labor would do you no end of good. You’re soft, lazy, and undisciplined.”      

       Eloise gasped. “Why, you—” she sputtered.     

       “And perhaps next time you’ll learn to be polite,” Kennon continued imperturbably. “After all, the superficial attributes of good breeding are not too hard to counterfeit.”      

       To his surprise, Eloise giggled. “You bite, don’t you?” she asked. “Remind me to remember that.”      

       “I shall.”      

       “Of course, your actions weren’t good breeding either.”      

       “Admitted—but I’ve never pretended to be what I’m not. I’m the son of a spaceship skipper, and I’m a veterinarian. That’s all.”      

       “That’s not all. You are also a man.” Her face was sober, “It’s been some time since I’ve met one. I’d almost forgotten they existed.”      

       “There’s your brother.”      

       “Alex?—he’s a money making machine. Come—sit beside me and let’s talk.”      

       “About what?”      

       “You—me—your job, your life—anything you wish?”      

       “That line isn’t exactly new,” Kennon grinned.     

       “I know,” she admitted, “but it usually works.”      

       “I’m immune.”      

       “That’s what you think.” Eloise’s eyes were frankly appraising. “I think I could become interested in you.”      

       “I have a job here. I don’t think I would have time to give you the attention you’d demand.”      

       “I get bored easily. It probably wouldn’t be long before I would be tired of you.”      

       “Perhaps—and perhaps not, I can’t afford to take the chance.”      

       “You seem confident.”      

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