Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 41 — page 109: what you’re looking at

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

ms, - AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION are there—but he will never realise them to the full. These embryonic talents are infuriat- ing to their possessors; they will always be aware of frus- tration, of being near to some indefinable goal; but I know that I am right in saying that for this man there is no possibility of attainment.” “Tt is as well that it should be so.” “It is well,’ conceded the High Predictor. “And he will not be unhappy. This marriage will be a successful one. He will strive; and for this peculiar race an aimless striving is often more conducive to happiness than achievement would be.” *“And now, Eminence, is it time for you to instruct me further in the diffusion of contemplation ?” They withdrew their atten- tion from the insignificant Earth. “T don’t like the way he looks at me sometimes.” “It’s strange,’ Gavin Doust agreed, “but I think you’re letting it worry you too much. It’s only a—well, an expression he has.” His wife shook her head uncertainly. “‘For a boy of his age to stare so knowingly at you... so contemptuously ... it’s not right.” Gavin took her hand. “He certainly isn’t old enough to understand the meaning of contempt, so don’t let it get you down. He’ll be all right. He’s thinking, that’s all.” “Thinking?” she echoed. “Yes, and I don’t think Id like to know what he’s think- ing about. He stares at me as though he were reading my mina" “TI wish he were!’? Gavin burst out. “That might give me a lead. If our own son were telepathic . .. but what’s the use of talking?” **Sssh!”’ He frowned at her nervous- ness. It was stupid of her to be so jumpy. Anyone would have thought that she sus- pected their four year old son of being able to hear every word they had said about him; and now, when they heard him running along the up- stairs landing, it was as though she feared what he would have to say to them when he came down and into the room. Brightly, jocularly, Gavin 108 conmmiclooolkks.comn)