Raych's first clear memory, after emerging from his desperance-induced ordeal, was that of being shaved.
    He felt the vibrorazor moving along his cheek and he said weakly, "Don't cut anywhere near my upper lip, barber. I want my mustache back."
    The barber, who had already received his instructions from Seldon held up a mirror to reassure him.
    Dors Venabili, who was sitting at his bedside, said, "Let him work, Raych. Don't excite yourself."
    Raych's eyes turned toward her momentarily and he was quiet. When the barber left, Dors said, "How do you feel, Raych?"
    "Rotten," he muttered. "I'm so depressed, I can't stand it."
    "That's the lingering effect of the desperance you've been dosed with. The effects will wash out."
    "I can't believe it. How long has it been?"
    "Never mind. It will take time. You were pumped full of it."
    He looked around restlessly. "Has Manella been to see me?"
    "That woman?" (Raych was getting used to hearing Dors speak of Manella with those words and in that tone of voice.) "No. You're not fit for visitors yet."
    Interpreting the look on Raych's face, Dors quickly added, "I'm an exception because I'm your mother, Raych. Why would you want that woman to see you, anyway? You're in no condition to be seen."
    "All the more reason to see her," muttered Raych. "I want her to see me at my worst." He then turned to one side dispiritedly. "I want to sleep."
    Dors Venabili shook her head. Later that day she said to Seldon "I don't know what we're going to do about Raych. Hari. He's quite unreasonable."
    Seldon said, "He's not well, Dors. Give the young man a chance."
    "He keeps muttering about that woman. Whatever her name is."
    "Manella Dubanqua. It's not a hard name to remember."
    "I think he wants to set up housekeeping with her. Live with her. Marry her."
    Seldon shrugged. "Raych is thirty-old enough to make up his own mind."
    "As his parents, we have something to say-surely."
    Hari sighed. "And I'm sure you've said it, Dors. And once you've said it, I'm sure he'll do as he wishes."
    "Is that your final word? Do you intend to do nothing while he makes plans to marry a woman like that?"
    "What do you expect me to do, Dors? Manella saved Raych's life. Do you expect him to forget that? She saved mine, too, for that matter."
    That seemed to feed Dors's anger. She said, "And you also saved her. The score is even."
    "I didn't exactly-"
    "Of course you did. The military rascals who now run the Empire would have slaughtered her if you didn't step in and sell them your resignation and your support in order to save her."
    "Though I may have evened the score, which I don't think I have, Raych has not. And, Dors dear, I would be very careful when it came to using unfortunate terms to describe our government. These times are not going to be as easy as the times when Cleon ruled and there will always be informers to repeat what they hear you say."
    "Never mind that. I don't like that woman. I presume that, at least, is permissible."
    "Permissible, certainly, but of no use."
    Hari looked down at the floor, deep in thought. Dors's usually unfathomable black eyes were positively flashing in anger. Hari looked up.
    "What I'd like to know, Dors, is why? Why do you dislike Manella so? She saved our lives. If it had not been for her quick action, both Raych and I would be dead."
    Dors snapped back, "Yes, Hari. I know that better than anyone. And if she had not been there, I would not have been able to do a thing to prevent your murder. I suppose you think I should be grateful. But every time I look at that woman, I am reminded of my failure. I know these feelings are not truly rational-and that is something I can't explain. So do not ask me to like her, Hari. I cannot."
    But the next day e............