"I sent your paintings as soon as I could." Roger's voice was very low and a little unsteady. "I know you wanted them. But I didn't know then what to tell you about me, so I didn't say anything."

"When . . . how long have you been here, Rodge?" Ted turned to look at his friend, with an air of wonderment still upon his face.

"Since this morning at five; it was still dark. I took the bus from Kent last night... I knew that I had to see you again. I had to be sure.

"I didn't even say goodbye to anyone, just left a note for mother. I told her I was going away, and didn't know when I'd be back. As soon as I got here I went to your house. I guess I woke your grandmother up. It was a bad thing to do, but after she knew who I was she seemed glad to see me. She told me where I might find you." His voice sunk to a husky whisper, "Lucky I tried the pier first!"

They looked into the misted distance for a long time. Unpredictably the clouds began to part slightly, to the southeast, low toward the horizon-first a rift of pale blue, turning to pink and then to blazing gold as the sun's rays streamed through. The dull waters came to life, dancing and shimmering with a thousand azure and roseate hues. Ted looked at Roger as if it were a miracle, a sign, and the two drew closer together. But the splendid pageant of light and color faded as swiftly as it had begun, and the gray closed in once more.

Ted groaned softly, and Roger smiled down at him. "Don't worry, Ted. The sun will shine again! Let's get Ted began putting on his socks and back home shoes. A moment later, arm-in-arm, they were walking back toward shore.

The little house was ablaze with lights as they approached. Ted's grandmother came downstairs to greet them when they entered. She was an aged woman, yet slender and erect, with the lined, regal face of an ancient goddess, and dark, deepset, glowing eyes that seemed to have seen and understood all things. The three stood together, close, in the warm radiance of the living room.

"How long can you be with us. Roger?" She smiled at him. Her voice was old and mellow.

"As long as Ted... as long as you want, ma'am." He ducked his head, with a shy grin. He felt Ted's fingers dig deeply into his arm.

"I can't imagine not wanting you with us, Roger. Theodore has missed you badly ever since he came back. Welcome to our home." She clasped his hand, and looked from one shining face into the other. A comradeship born of understanding enfolded them all. The room was full of light, and contentment, and peace.

BOOK NEWS: Just published in England is "The Plastic Fabric" by Martyn Goff ($3.50). In this country Dr. Jeanette Foster has compiled an exhaustive bibliography "Sex Variant Women in Literature" describing over 300 titles ($5.00). SPECIAL: We have acquired a limited quantity of the long out-of-print paperbound version of "The Better Angel" by Richard Meeker ($1.95). BULLETIN: "Derricks" by James Barr will be reprinted this year. Add 15c per book postage.

For further information on the above and other books, write for our regular lists of novels, plays, and poetry on homosexual themes. Note we are also constant buyers of books.

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