Astounding Science Fiction, October 1950 — page 8: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

6 | ASTOUNDING SCIENCE FICTION “I'm glad Stella wasn’t going with them since you want to see her,” said the woman. “PU get back to my dishes, then,” and she was gone, too. 3 Peter turned to the tall man in the doorway. “Are you Mr. Oates?” “Yes. Come on in.” “My name is Welles. Dr. Peter Welles.” The men shook hands. Peter began to laugh. = | “This reminds me,” he said, “of the Queen’s advice to Alice: ‘Curtsy while you’re- thinking what to say.’” “ “Begin at the beginning,’ quoted the little girl, ““‘and go on until you come to the end. Then stop.’ ” Mr. Oates looked from one to the other with a blank stare. “You want to talk to me, too?” he asked. “Is it something about her health?” “No, Mr. Oates. You are guardian?” “Yes. Her uncle. She’s my brother’s child. Have a chair.” They sat down. Stella’s expectant eyes fixed on Peter. The shabby old house and the swarm of half-grown children decided Peter. The only possible approach was the free-scholarship one. | “It has been suggested,” he said, “that Stella might be eligible for one of the free scholarships that we ‘have to offer.” The man’s face hardened. “First let me tell you who I am,” said Peter, smiling disarmingly. “I am a medical man, attending the convention of physicians here this week. At home, I am the psycho- logist for the city schools of Oakley, Cali- fornia; but I am resigning the position to take charge of a school to be opened there by a wealthy couple, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Davis, as a memorial to their daughter and her husband. It is their wish that the school educate and care for other children who were orphaned at the same time and in the same way as their grandson.” “In the same way?” repeated Mr. Oates. “You mean the radiation deaths?” “Yes,” said Dr. Welles. “You will find my name in tonight’s paper in the list of those attending the convention of psychiat- rists here. Let me show you some identifica- tion. I can give you the names of local men who can vouch for me.” The tall man looked over the papers which Peter offered him, and nodded. Stella’s “The school is to take young people through high school and college,” Dr. Welles went on, “and is to open within a few months. The young people must pass certain tests first, and if they do so satis- factorily they may apply for a scholarship which will pay part or all of the student’s expenses. 1 don’t know whether you would care to have Stella go so far away from home, but if you would consider allowing her to take the tests, and she passes them—” “Are you trying to sell us something or give us something?” asked Stella’s uncle. “If she passes the tests, whether you pay anything at all is up to you,” said Peter. “Those who can pay and are willing to do sO, pay aS much as they wish. You have, I believe, several children of your own to educate?” “The four you met in the hall are mine.” “Then in your case it could probably be arranged that all of Stella’s expenses could be paid by the school. The aim of Mr. and Mrs. Davis is to educate these other children as a memorial to the parents of their grand- son. You can easily satisfy yourself that Stella will be in good hands.” Mr. Oates looked again at the papers he held. “What did you say your part is in all this?” “I manage the school,” replied Peter, “and Dr. Mark Foxwell is associated with me in the work. Miss Emily Page is to be Dean of Girls. One of our prospective Students is boarding with Miss Page until the school opens.” “Well, sir,’ said Mr. Oates, “if all this is as you say, and can be proved to be all right, I don’t mind telling you that we might think it over and decide to do it. That is, if Stella likes the idea.” Don’t stay lonesome! The friends you seek are seeking you! Pen-friends (home and overseas), personal friends (both sexes), or life partners may be found through the medium of our success- ful introductory Service. Established 1942. Write to-day for full information, testimonials, and Membership Form to— . Secretary, V.C.C., 34 Honeywell | Road, London $.W.11, England. | Eomichook (S@)