Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 43 — page 102: what you’re looking at

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

STAND-IN “Don’t you, darling?” That exaggerated archness of hers annoyed him in- tensely. It was so stupid. There was no question of his being jealous of Simon—after all, Simon hadn’t married Barbara, and he himself had, and that was that. But it irritated him to see the silly idiot posturing and hovering around Barbara, saying meaning, ironical things that he thought Walter was too dense to understand. And although Barbara agreed that Simon was an utter fool, she did seem to get a kick out of that sort of pretentious non- sense. He said: “It’s time Simon grew up and found himself a wife.” “I’m afraid he has lost the only ideal woman in his life,”’ said Barbara, smugly. “Well, a fat lot of good it’ll do him to brood over it,” said Walter. It was not until later in the day that he realised what an opportunity was being offered to him. He wanted to go out 101 and play a game of Martian slides with a few of the boys, and this time it would surely be safe to let Wally take over at home. Barbara was always too busy mopping up Simon’s florid compliments and sim- pering at his jokes to pay much attention to her hus- band. Walter could have a couple of hours out and then return, work an un- obtrusive switch with Wally, and take over in time to usher Simon out of the house and silently wish him good riddance. There was hardly any risk to it at all. He slipped out that evening full of confidence. And Wally strolled back into the room Walter had just left, accepted a drink from the cocktail mixer, and smiled placidly at Simon. It was the placidity of that smile that eventually aroused Barbara’s suspicions. She had been listening to Simon for almost an hour, and thinking how very sweet he was. It was all very well for Walter to sneer and say comiclooks.conn