intrinsic nature. This nature was hard, persistent and melancholy.

Joiwind answered the questions he had not asked.

"Those organs are called 'poigns.' Their use is to enable us to
understand and sympathise with all living creatures."

"What advantage do you derive from that, Joiwind?"

"The advantage of not being cruel and selfish, dear Maskull."

He threw the fruit away and flushed again.

Joiwind looked into his swarthy, bearded face without embarrassment
and slowly smiled. "Have I said too much? Have I been too familiar?
Do you know why you think so? It's because you are still impure. By
and by you will listen to all language without shame."

Before he realised what she was about to do, she threw her tentacle
round his neck, like another arm. He offered no resistance to its
cool pressure. The contact of her soft flesh with his own was so
moist and sensitive that it resembled another kind of kiss. He saw
who it was that embraced him--a pale, beautiful girl. Yet, oddly
enough, he experienced neither voluptuousness nor sexual pride. The
love expressed by the caress was rich, glowing, and personal, but
there was not the least trace of sex in it--and so he received it.

She removed her tentacle, placed her two arms on his shoulders and
penetrated with her eyes right into his very soul.