He learned that Professor Berent had died some time ago in the East, and that family members were there to spread his cremated ashes the next morning high up in the New Mexico mountains ("a favorite spot of his").He smiles at her and tells her: "Thank you." Again as he turns and looks at her before entering the street at the iron gate, he speaks once more: "Good morning.She first met George at a USO party, who looked "lonesome" and wanted "company." At the time she admitted she was also lonely and worked at the defense plant:"Before George, my life hadn""t made much sense.Other main characters, Catherine""s two guardians (who are both widowed and often speak ideally about their dead spouses) are introduced:Dr.