"Very well. They are stunned, naturally, and I'm sure quite a few of them don't believe it. It will take a little time." The Russian Premier chuckled with a note of wistfulness. "That's exactly what they will have--very little time." "And your people--?" "We haven't told them. We thought it best." The President sighed. "We stick to our ideologies to the very end, don't we?" "Policy can't be changed overnight. Yet great strides can be made." "I don't think I understand you." "I'll try to clarify. We finished our public statement Monday, setting down our position on The Stockholm Conference last month." "The conference was a great disappointment to me--to you also, I imagine." "Yes, and our public statement was, well, pretty bleak, but I'm changing it. I'm in the middle of rewriting it now." "I'd like to sit down with you and perhaps readjust some of our own demands." "I'd like to have you." "No time now, of course." "No, in fact the rewriting may seem futile to you but it gives me great satisfaction. A nice way to end a political career." "Why don't you call me back and read it to me when you've finished?" "I'll do that. Goodbye Mr. President." * * * * * Frank and Dee Allison walked hand in hand down the street. Dee had been crying but now her tears had been dried and her expression was calm. There was a wistful light in her eyes. "It could have been so much different, Frank." "Yes darling. My fault. It was my damn temper." "But I was always ready to snarl back. A wife's job is to--" He squeezed her hand. "Are you afraid, baby?" "No--no. I won't be afraid as long as you're there to hold my hand." He put his arm around her shoulders and drew her close and they walked with the other people toward the Church. * * * * * The President of the United States put through a call to the Premier of Russia. Connections clicked into place across half a world and the Russian operator's voice came through warm and cordial. "Of course, Mr. President. The Premier's wire is always open to you. I'll ring him." The phone was lifted instantly. "Mr. President! How nice of you to call!" "Our previous conversation set me thinking, Mr. Premier. I want to be a part of your inspiring idea. So I'm rewriting our own statement and I suggest we make a joint public release. I think it will help the people of the world to face the end with greater dignity. The _knowing_--I think--will help." "I'm sure it will. How soon will your draft be finished?" "Can you give me another two hours?" "Of course. Ring me when you're ready. Perhaps we can set up an international television hookup and appear together." "I'm sure we can." * * * * * Frank and Dee Allison came out of church bringing some of the peace and the strength with them. Dee said, "I'd like to see my mother for a little while before--before--"