Page 332 of Edge of Eternity (The Century 3)

Jenny came back with two eight-by-ten color photographs of Dave, and a felt-tipped pen.

Dave said to Wharton: "What are your children called?"

"Caroline and Edward."

Dave dedicated one photo to each child and signed.

Tony Peterson said: "Ready for the 'Mockingbird' segment."

A little set had been built for this number. It looked like a corner of a swanky store, with glass cupboards full of glittery luxuries. Percy came on in a dark suit and a silver tie, like a floorwalker. Evie was a wealthy shopper with hat, gloves, and handbag. They took their positions either side of a counter. Dave smiled at the pains Charlie had taken to make sure their relationship was not seen as amorous.

They rehearsed with the orchestra. The song was upbeat and lighthearted. Percy's baritone and Evie's contralto harmonized nicely. At the appropriate moments, Percy produced from under the counter a caged bird and a tray of rings. "We'll add canned laughter at that point, to let the audience know it's intended to be funny," said Charlie.

They did it for the cameras. The first take was perfect, but they did it again for safety, as always.

As they were coming to the end, Dave felt good. This was ideal family entertainment for the American audience. He began to believe that his show would succeed.

In the last bar of the song, Evie leaned across the counter, stood on tiptoe, and kissed Percy's cheek.

"Wonderful!" said Tony, walking onto the set. "Thank you, everybody. Set up for Dave's next introduction, please." He had a distinct air of embarrassed haste, and Dave wondered why.

Evie and Percy stepped off the set.

Beside Dave, Mr. Wharton said: "We can't broadcast that kiss."

Before Dave could say anything, Charlie Lacklow said fawningly: "Of course not, don't worry, Mr. Wharton, we can lose it, we'll cut to Dave applauding, probably."

Dave said mildly: "I thought the kiss was charming and kind of innocent."

"Did you,"

said Wharton severely.

Dave wondered apprehensively if this was going to become an issue.

Charlie said: "Drop it, Dave. We can't show an interracial kiss on American television."

Dave was surprised. But, thinking about it, he realized that those few black people who appeared on TV were rarely if ever touched by white people. "Is that, like, a policy, or something?" he asked.

"More of an unwritten rule," Charlie said. "Unwritten, and unbreakable," he added firmly.

Evie heard the exchange and said challengingly: "Why is that?"

Dave saw the look on her face and groaned inwardly. Evie was not going to let this pass. She wanted a fight.

But for a few moments there was silence. No one was sure what to say, especially with Percy right there.

Eventually Wharton answered Evie's question in his dry accountant's tone. "The audience would disapprove," he said. "Most Americans believe the races should not intermarry."

Charlie Lacklow added: "Exactly. What happens on television is happening in your home, in your living room, with your kids watching, and your mother-in-law."

Wharton looked at Percy and remembered that he was married to Babe Lee, a white woman. "I'm sorry if this offends you, Mr. Marquand," he said.

"I'm used to it," Percy said mildly; not denying that he was offended, but declining to make a big deal of it. Dave thought that was remarkably gracious.

Evie said indignantly: "Maybe television should work to alter people's prejudices."

"Don't be naive," Charlie said rudely. "If we show them something they don't like, they'll just change the goddamn channel."

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