"But then you would be miserable after making one person happy."

"No. I have a special qualification for the post. I can mag -- nify my joy as I transfer, making a thousand people happy, while I suffer only a little depletion. Most people can ex --

change only on an even basis, as you say, but some can mul -- tiply, and I can multiply better than any other. That is why I am Cyng."

"Then what's your problem?"

"There are many thousands who need joy. So many that I can not serve them all without eventually being depleted. But I can not stop, because then everyone would become un -- happy. ''

"What does a wife have to do with it?"

"My wife shares her joy with me. I can then share it with others, multiplied. Were she able to share on an even basis, that would double my ability to serve. But normally women are found who can multiply somewhat themselves, so that I may receive what two or three others might provide. That can enable me to carry on for a year or more, before we are both depleted."

"What happens then?"

"I must divorce her before she dies, so that she can re -- cover. Then I must marry another, so that I can continue my work."

"How could you do that to one you loved?"

Darius spread his hands. "I can not. That is why I elected to search in other realities."

"So you could find me, and take me back, and deplete me, and cast me aside after a year?"

"Oh, no, Colene! I am looking for a woman who can multiply the way I do, so that I can love her and never cast her aside. There are none in my reality."

"And you think I might be one like that?"

"I hope you are. The Chip oriented on women who might be like that. But the Chip is fallible. It may be that it is a misreading."

"How can you tell?" "There is no sure way except to bring you back with me."

"And if I am not right?"

"Then I could not marry you. You would be provided for; I could make you one of my servants."

"One of your servants!"

"The Chip can not focus on precisely the same reality twice. You could not return to your own realm. But you could have a good life with me. Just not as my wife."

"Thanks a lot!"

She was evidently angry. "I do not understand."

"That's for sure!" She lurched to her feet and charged out of the shed.

But later she returned, with more food. "I am sorry I blew up at you, Darius," she said.

"I know your culture is way different from mine, and you didn't think you were insulting me."

"That is true. I am sorry I insulted you. Please tell me in what manner I did that, so that I can avoid doing it

again."