Forbin watched on the monitor in the aide’s office and was quite impressed. The President summoned up strength from some hidden reserve and gave a fine and apparently sincere performance. Forbin was at a loss to decide how genuine the President was, apart from the story itself, but those actually in the sanctum at the time saw the mask thrown aside, once the President was sure the cameras were off the air. He fairly screamed at the gathering to get out, which they did, hurriedly.Forbin called Cleo, and congratulated her on her presence of mind—painfully aware that he sounded like a headmaster at a prize-giving. But he made it up by adding, with unnecessary warmth, that he hoped to see her soon, real soon. Privately, he marveled at his ability to think of other things, but reflected that sex was a very basic emotion. He again felt unreasonably happy as he returned to the sanctum.The President was surrounded by most of his Cabinet and was speaking as Forbin entered.“Ah, Forbin! I’ve just filled in the situation to the Vice-President.”
