The Status Civilization

"A pleasure," Barrent said. "Have you a ready-wear in my size?" "I'm sure I have," Wonderson said. "Would you care for a Regular or a Special?" "A Regular will do nicely." "Most new Opinioners prefer the Special," Wonderson said. "The little extra simulated handmade touches increase the public's respect." "In that case I'll take the Special." "Yes, sir. Though if you could wait a day or two, we will be having in a new fabric--a simulated Home Loom, complete with natural weaving mistakes. For the man of status discrimination. A real prestige item." "Perhaps I'll come back for that," Barrent said. "Right now, I need a ready-wear." "Of course, sir," Wonderson said, disappointed but hiding it bravely. "If you'll wait just one little minute...." After several fittings, Barrent found himself wearing a black business suit with a thin edge of white piping around the lapels. To his inexperienced eye it looked almost exactly like the other suits Wonderson had on display for bankers, stock brokers, grocers, accountants, and the like. But for Wonderson, who talked about the banker's lapel and the insurance agent's drape, the differences were as clear as the gross status-symbols of Omega. Barrent decided it was just a question of training. "There, sir!" Wonderson said. "A perfect fit, and a fabric guaranteed for a lifetime. All for thirty-nine ninety-five." "Excellent," Barrent said. "Now, about the money--" "Yes, sir?" Barrent took the plunge. "I haven't any." "You haven't, sir? That's quite unusual." "Yes, it is," Barrent said. "However, I do have certain articles of value." From his pocket he took three diamond rings with which the Group on Omega had supplied him. "These stones are genuine diamonds, as any jeweler will be glad to attest. If you would take one of them until I have the money for payment--"