The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-02-01
The Story Of Julia Page By Kathleen Norris

essary you are to each other!" said Julia, kneenng before the chair in which her fat godson was seated, and | displaying number of gold chains | and bracelets for his amusement You have to take a turn at every thing-cooking and sewing and car ing for old Sweetum here-Anthony couldn't get on without you!" And l suppose you think Doctor Studdiford could find twenty wives as pretty and clever and charming as you are, Ju?"
 1 Fifty!' Ju answered.
 Well, now, that just shows what a little idiot you are" Mrs. Marbury scolded. Mot but what most women feel that way sooner or later" she added, less severely. 'I remember that phase very well, myself! But the l thing for you to do, Julie, is to re- member that you're exactly the same woman he fell in love with. dyou see? Just mind your own affairs, and be. happy and busy, and try not to fancythings!'
 | What a sensible old thing you are, Ken!" said Julia gratefully. And as Kennedy came over to stand near her, Julia gave her a little rub with 1 her head, like an affectionate pony. l T think it's partly this hotel that's | demoralizing me-" Julia went on, a little shamed. "I feel so useless-get- ting up. eating, dressing, idling about, and going to bed again. Jim has his work, and I'll be glad when I have mine again!''
 l CHAPTER II.
 In these days, the Studdifords were househunting in all of Jims free hours; confining their efforts almost entirely to the city, although trip to San Mateo or Ross Valley made l welcome change now and then. It was not until late in October that the right house was found, on Pacific Avenue, almost at the end of the cable-car line. It was Q new house, large and square, built of dignified dark-red brick, and with roomy and | beautiful garden about it. There was street entrance, barred by an iron gate elaborately grilled. and giving upon three shallow brick steps that led to the heavily carved door. On the side street was an entrance for the motor car and tradespeople, the slope of the hill giving room for basement kitchen, with its accompanying store rooms and 1aundries.
 Upstairs, the proportions of the rooms, and their exquisite finish, made the house prominent among the city's beautiful homes. Even Jim could find nothing to change. The splendid dark simplicity of the draw ing room was in absolute harmony with the great main hall. and in charming contrast to the cheerful li- brary and the sun-f1ooded morning. room. The dining-room had its own big fireplace, with 1eather-cushioned single seats, and quaint, twinkling bottle-paned windows above. On the floor ha with their three baths and three dress tng-rooms and countless closets, were all bright and sunny, with shining cream-colored panelling, cretonne pa pers in gay designs of flowers and birds, and crystal door knobs Up- stairs again were maids rooms, store rooms lined in cedar, and more baths
 "Perfect!" said Jim radiantly, on the afternoon when the Studdifords first inspected the house. Its just exactly right. and I'm strong for it!'' He came over to Julia, who was thoughtfully staring out of a draw Ing room window. Her exquisite beauty was today set off by a long loose sealskfn coat for the winter was early, and a picturesque little motor bonnet, also of seal, with a velvet rose against her soft hair. Little bit sad today. sweetheart ?" Jim asked, kiss
 
 No-o. I was just thinking what lovely backyard!" Julia said sen- sibly, raising her blue eyes. But she had frightened perceptibly at his ten derness. I love you, Jim," she said. very simply.
 And adore youi" Jim answered. his arms about her. I've been think ing all day how rotten that sounded this morning!" he added in a lower tone. I'm so sorryi"
 'As if it was your fault!" Julia pro- tested generously. And a moment later she charmed him by declaring herself to be entirely satisfied with this enchanting house, and by enter ing vigorously upon the question of furnishings.
 The little episode to which Doctor Studdiford had made a somewhat enn- barrassed allusfon had taken place in their rooms at the hotel that morn ing, while they were breakfastine Plans for a little dinner party were progressing pleasantly, over the one lette and toast, when Jim chanced to suggest that a certain Mrs Pope be included among the guests.
 "Oh, Jfm-not Mrs. Jerry Pope? Julia questioned. wide eyed.
 Yes. but she calls herself Mrs Elsie Carroll Pope now. Why not ?''
 "Oh. Jim-but she's divorcedi"
 Well. so are lots of other people!"
 Yes, know. But it was such horrid divorce. JimI'
 'Horrtd haw?"
 "Oh, some other man. and letters In the papers, and MT. Pope kept both childreni It was awful"
 "Oh, come, Ju- she's a nice little thing, awfully witty and clever. Why go out Of your way to knock her."
 I'm not going out of my way' Julia answered with dignity. But she was great friend of Mary Chet- wynde, who used to teach at The AL exander, and she came out there two or three times. and she's noisy, yell ing sort of woman-and her hair is dyed-yes. it is, Jim,"
 Lord, you women do love to rip each other up the back!' Jim smiled lazily, as he wheeled his chair about and lighted a cigarette.
 anN rf r