Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-10-06
The Warning Phone Call Came Too Late

falls seemed to be passing his door, he ran and opened
il. But there was no one there.
Gregory took look out Of the window. He felt
nervous and decided that brisk walk would be good
for him. The rain had stopped.
His mood was an odd one, an unhappy one. He had
succeeded in his chosen profession. had earned the
respect Of older scientists whose accomplishments he
revered His researches had won him international
recognition. Yet tonight he wished he had chosen 70 be
painter be loneed to escape from his accepted SELF TO
Be his natural self For he still young. and there
was q world outside the world Of science. world in
which there remained room for romance, for beauty.
In the lobby he paused to light cigarette. wave
Of self-contempt swept over him. Had he. trained
scientist fallen for that romantic myth. love At first
sight? He left message At the desk that he would be
back in half hour swung the door open and stepped
out into the street.
He was greeted BY fash Of lightning which changed
the gloomy night into sOrt Of CHASTITY buewhte day.
Then volley Of thunder awesome that might
have heralded the end Of the world In fact heralded
fresh deluee which in matter Of minutes turned the
quiet, slcping street into torrent
Gregory retired inside the porch. Left and right the
street was deserted until slim figure came running
through the downpour, girl caught in the storm.
She dashed into the shelter Of the porch. swept her
damp hair back from her forehead and Gregory found
himself looking down al piquant face. wet with rain,
drops Of which hung her long Iashes and into the
U1UG GyeS u NItBnOu
They stood for moment watching the rain and then
went to Gresorys small suite.
She sat in the only comfortable chair which the
living room offered. The expression in her eyes was
almost tragic, but she forced q smile.
1T IS the thunderstorm. They affect very much"
Gregory sat q shabby hassock. looking up at her.
There came another electric flicker through the shaded
window ashattering crash Of thunder Misnon inched
tried to control herself. Gregory took her hand re-
assuringy. Il don't know what you were doing out
such night. MienOn."
Il came to look for you. Al Dover you disappear
don't know what has happened"
"Mienonl"
And in the sudden silence which fell as the thunder
died. Gregory heard the footsteps again.
But their pattern had altered. At regular intervals
the patrol was halted and three deliberate beats came
Now as he felt Mgnons grip tighten he glanced back
at her. and before she could lower her ashes he caught
an expression Of such frantic compassion that fright
ened him.
.Mienon, there's no danger" he said The storm is
passing II was very good Of you to come"
But he knew that whatever she feared, wasn't the
storm. She opened her eyes, still casping his hand.
Il am silly, Gregory. Try to forgive me. Why, oh
why, didn't you stay an arist?'
Her manner, her disjointcd phrases told story Of
nervous tension for which be could find 10 explanation
Listen, Mienon. Take il easy. Let me give you a
cigarette and little drink, 50 can talk quietly"
mo, nor She held onto his hand, OBTAINING him.
Il don't want drink yet. want to talk to you -
yes. But It is so hard"
what do you want to tell me? That we're not going
to see one another aean?"
He knew that the words betrayed his secret dreams,
hnreh INT for h. krax. ekatA