Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 43 — page 105: what you’re looking at

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

AWTHENTIG SCIENCE FICTION “Wait until I’m well inside, and then stow yourself away. It may be ten minutes or so before I get an opportunity of switching you off, so don’t start fidgeting about.” | Then he strolled non- chalantly indoors and joined his wife and Simon. “Another drink?” he said. “Not for me, old boy. It’s time I was running along.” Walter did not press Simon to stay. He waited until Barbara had finished fussing over him at the front door, and then, as she was plumping up the cushions and whisking about the room in her usual erratic way, he said: “I suppose you’re serious about going out with Simon to- morrow ?” “Of course, darling. You don’t mind ?”’ “J don’t mind,” he said. “TI just can’t imagine why you should want to spend an evening with that absurd bore. One evening of flattery ought to be enough for anyone.”’ She laughed. “‘Yes, I don’t know that I really want another dose of Simon’s con- versation. It’s so meaning- less, isn’t it? If only it led to something——”’ “To what?’ said Walter, ageressively. “Well, if there were any purpose in it... you know what I mean .. . but in the nature of things it can’t lead ‘up to anything, can it? After all, I’m married to you, and Simon’s too late.” “I should think so. I can’t understand why you should take such pleasure in leading him on.” Barbara said, abruptly: “Don’t you want me to go, darling ?”’ “As we've had Simon’s com- pany all evening, J] thought we might have a quiet time together tomorrow.” ““How sweet of you, darling. Perhaps you’re even a little bit jealous ?”’ “Jealous be damned,” snorted Walter. “I know you’ve got too much sense to care twopence for anyone as thick-headed as Simon——”’ “He’s not all that thick- 104 ( connicloooks.com