The Green Odyssey

«A fine woman,» said Walzer, sympathetically. «A rare beauty. She has a tremendous impact upon one.»

«Something like crashing into a planet head-on,» said Green. «She has the faculty of wringing out every last bit of energy left in the particular emotion she happens to be feeling at the moment. A great actress who believes in her roles.»

«Her children are fine children, too,» Walzer added, slowly and as if he were about to say something that might hurt Green's feelings but was anxious not to do so. «You will be glad to see them again, of course.»

«Of course. After all, Paxi's my daughter, I love the others as if they were also mine.»

«Ah,» breathed Walzer. «Then you are going back to her?»

Green didn't express surprise or anger, because he had guessed from Walzer's actions just what he was thinking.

«You can't imagine my wanting to live on that barbaric planet with that woman, can you?» he said, evenly. «That after all, there are serious gaps in our ways of thinking, in our behavior, in our education. Isn't that what you meant by your statement?»

Walzer glanced out of the corners of his eyes at Green, then replied warily, «Well, yes. But you know what you want far better than I do.» He paused, then added, «I must say I admire your courage.»

Green shrugged.

«After all I've been through I'm not afraid to take one more chance.»