"I wish I could re-think, darling. Have my psyche reground!"
"Change your (I kiss you as you are) self, Mary?"
"If I only (You never really do, Linc) could. I'm so tired of tasting you tasting mint every time we meet."
"Next time I'll add brandy and ice. Shake well. Voilal Stinger-Mary."
"Do that. Also SNOW."
"Why strike out the snow? I love snow."
"But I love you."
"And I love you, Mary."
"Thanks, Linc." But he said it. He always said it. He never thought it. She turned away quickly. The tears within her scalded him.
"Again, Mary?"
"Not again. Always. Always." And the deeper levels of her mind cried: "I love you, Lincoln. I love you. Image of my father: Symbol of security: Of warmth: Of protecting passion: Do not reject me always... always... forever..."
"Listen to me, Mary..."
"Don't talk. Please, Linc. Not in words. I couldn't bear it if words came between us."
"You're my friend, Mary. Always. For every disappointment. For every elation."
"But not for love."
"No, dear heart. Don't let it hurt you so. Not for love."
"I have enough love, God pity me, for both of us."
"One, God pity us, is not enough for both, Mary."
"You must marry an Esper before you're forty, Linc. The Guild insists on that. You know it."
"I know it."
"Then let friendship answer. Marry me, Lincoln. Give me a year, that's all. One little year to love you. I'll let you go. I won't cling. I won't make you hate me. Darling, it's so little to ask... so little to give..."
The door-bell chimed. Powell looked at Mary helplessly. "Guests," he murmured and directed Open in C-sharp at the TP lock-sensor.