Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, No. 67 — page 138: what you’re looking at

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

DR. BLAISE the disappearance of her lover, a queer, pression in the doctor’s usually abstract eyes. Had he known all along of their guilt? Was he in some mysterious way connected with Paul Stock’s long silence? Under the knife of such apprehensions she struggled—sometimes vainly it seemed to her—to preserve the outward mien of a model wife and a carefree, contented woman. The climax came one even- ing in the early summer of that year. It was precipitated by Varya’s ultimate break- down under the long-drawn strain—a breakdown in which she confessed everything to the doctor, declaring in a drama- tic, typically Slavonic manner that she loved Paul Stock, that life without him was unendurable, and that even if it meant “searching to the four corners of the earth” she intended to quit forthwith and go to him. With the mocking expres- sion on his face now com- pletely undisguised, the doctor 137 half-mocking ex- . sat and listened calmly to her impassioned outburst. When she had finished he said: “It is. possible you still imagine that all this comes as a surprise to me. On the contrary, I have known of your infidelity right from the very outset, and I have been wondering just how long you were going to keep up this stupid pretence. As for your— shall we say—rather dramatic statement that you intend to search for your lover to the four corners of the earth, I believe I can save you the trouble. Come with me.” Dr. Blaise arose and made for the french windows lead- ing to the grounds of his mansion, but Varya had a surge of apprehension which held her temporarily para- lysed and stood irresolute and motionless. Half-turning and seeing her hesitancy, the doctor paused on the thresh- old of the french window and said: “Come, my dear, you have no need to be afraid. Surely you don’t think I intend to harm you? You comicloooks.com