the first test subject

Pam returned with a medium-height, well-built woman with fair skin and short, dark hair.

Pam pulled out the chair on the side of the desk away from Francis and said, "Have a seat, Linda." Pam smiled at her, and indicated Francis. "This is Francis. He's an assistant of mine, and will actually do the testing." She turned to Francis and said, "Francis, this is Dr. Linda Drummond, from the French Department." Pam then turned away and picked up a clipboard.

As the person named Linda sat, she nodded at Francis and said, "Hello. "

Francis picked up on his role immediately. "Hello, Dr. Drummond. I'll be showing you ten objects and asking you questions as I do, and Dr. Jennings will record your reactions as the test progresses. At the end, I'll show you an eleventh object--as a...ahem...control item, to end the test."

Linda nodded again and composed herself for the test, and Francis reached down into the box and pulled out the first "new" gem.

"Item one," he said. "What do you think of this?"

Linda looked at the gem for a moment, then at Francis. "It's a cheap plastic, purplish gem. Uh, gaudy? "

Francis sighed, and said, "But you don't feel different?"

Linda shook her head, tossing her hair lightly. "No. Should I?"

Pam scribbled loudly on the clipboard.

Francis looked at Pam, shrugged, and reached for another gem.