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Chapter 12 The small group dined in harmonious silence. Other groups sat around at various tables, pleasantly conversing and eating. Adam noticed that it was the same Cafe Venus which Launie had named the night before. It seemed a long time since he had been here, and the glamor must have worn off, because in some way it was less attractive than on the previous occasion. Not even the company of these highest of peers on Andromeda nor the presence of Launie herself appeared able to restore the cosmic glitter of it, which was so recent yet so long ago. Only Saturn, who was in rapport with Adam in thought and spirit, was able to remove the cold chill that otherwise would have settled about them as they lingered over dessert. Once more, there was music softly beginning to peal from seemingly everywhere. It was an overture which Adam nearly recollected but could not quite recognize. Then it burst into its full melody, an Then its full melody, quite recognize. Then it burst into its full melody, an orchestration the equal of which he had never heard on earth. There was no doubt as to what the melody was. It was “La Vien n » it an Rose.” So enthralling was the music that the entire establishment thawed from its chill and turned into the most delightful place in which Adam could imagine himself. At that moment she came to the table. There was no doubt in Adam’s mind that she was one of ones. Even the expression of Saturn mellowed as he looked into her eyes and received the message she handed him, fused on a plastic type paper. He looked at the missive, looked back into her eyes, and merely nodded his head. The entire exchange was in silent pantomine, but Adam could feel that something very critical was transpiring. By the looks on the faces of his group he felt sure it all concerned him. Launie looked at the 174 THE EASE OF FORGETTING the peers. Certainly she was far from being one of the retarded