651
Sorry, it really got to me and I don't
know why it seems to be doing that.

652
Why it's getting worse.
I mean, I was really excited.

653
You have no new messages.

654
The thing about Gerst is this:

655
The selection committee
is just a formality.

656
This is the real interview.

657
Relax.

658
Be direct, candid¹.

659
But not too candid.

660
Very good time. They always get lost
on the way. Come in.

661
Meet my new Mughal painting.

662
Not another one.

663
An Indian goddess at peace. It has a
tranquility to it, don't you think?

664
I wonder what the males are doing,
loitering so close to her?

665
It's obvious. They're worshiping her.

666
As they should.

667
Perhaps that's why she has eight arms
to fend² them off.

668
Why don't you girls go outside
while Dr. Glass and I have our chat.

669
Come. Come.

670
Come with me. You'll enjoy it.

671
So, Dr. Glass, I have a question:

672
Do you think I'm insane?

673
Pardon?

674
Nuts? Bonkers? Off my trolley³?

675
No, not at all.

676
But I might be if I recommended you
for the Douglas Chair.

677
I'm sorry, I don't understand.

678
George Cheslav.

679
A major drug dealer⁴, under your care,
brutally murders his girlfriend.

680
An inquiry⁵ is held...

681
...where Detective Roy Washburn...

682
...testifies that you acted
professionally at all times.

683
You're blameless.

684
That's right, I was.

685
However, after the trial...

686
...you experienced what we might term
an emotional meltdown:

687
Depression...

688
...occupational underachievement...

689
...marital⁶ problems...

690
...and questionable⁷ professional
conduct...

691
...much discussed at dinner parties
around our great city.

692
I'm sorry?

693
Now you want my support
for the Douglas Chair.

694
No more Cheslavs, Michael.

695
No.

696
No more Cheslavs.