Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1924-10-23
The Second Mrs. Strong

Julie Makes Il start

|
7 N the weeks that followed, Julie, backed
| I'D by Bradford Pierce's kindly cncOur-
~ agement and eager for but one thing,
to come up to Matthew's expectations of her
made decided strides forward.
Without telling any one, she spent one en-
tire day in the city, and, careless of eXtraYa-
gance, she did as Pierce had advised her to
do, put herself in the hands Of an expert.
To Mademoiselle Lucicnne she confidcd
shyly her wishes.
Il want something that will express my
Jpersonality. And the Frenchwoman, shrewd
with the knowledge that plenty of money was
backing julie was interested and did her
best.
The result was enchanting. Two afternoon
dresses, street dress, an evening dress and
a negligee. AS Lucienne saw it, jules per-
sonality was exotic, therefore the clothes de-
signed were subtle and strange. Julie could
see how different they made her look, but
when they were sent home she found it diff
lcult to pluck up enough courage to wear
them.
On that day in the city she did other things.
She subscribed to q library, and arranged to
have parcel of books sent out to her each
week. IN this way she would know what was
being read, and this knowledge would help to
provide her with small talk. Then she bought
a season ticket to the Metropolitan Opera
House. 1t was for Wednesday afternoons,
and, with the feeling that at last she had
taken a step in the right direction, she re-
turned home to Brompton Manor.
Matthew was in the library, and, as Julie
hesitated ii the doorway, she saw Claudia
curled up in a chair nearby There was
something about them that made Julie sure
they had been having a talk a talk that she
had inadvertently interrupted. The knowl-
ed@e threw a damper over her spirits but
she struggled yaliantly against the feeling of
depression that had begun to settle over her
Matthew rose to his feet but Claudia re-
m INT Of hn Of bov
Julie could see the superciliOus expression on
the girls face but she tried to ignore her,
and her greeting was for Matthew alone
Am I late? I'm so sorry. I've been in the
city shopDing.''
"Shopping!" Matthew's ejaculation came
simultaneously with Claudia's and Julie with
the knowledge Of what was going on in the
minds of both, grew hot all over. That
orange evening dress, Would he never
forget it? And the bridal costume! Even
now She could see CIaudia's insolent gaze
travelling over it.
But why didn't you take Claudia with you
If you needed more clothes?" Matthew per-
sisted.
Perhaps, Dad, she doesn't like my taste in
Clothes" Claudia drawled, and that slow re-
mark touched a spark in Julie that suddenly
famed up, making her forget to be afraid
AS matter Of fact, I don't" she added
quickly Il don't think your selection suit
able for me, Claudia, so I went to Lucienne' s
and literally put myself in her hands"
'Lucienne's.' 3asped Claudia. "Where did
you ever hear Of herr" For the moment she
was too surprised to affect her usual studied
lnsolence of manner, and Julie somehow real
lied this. She did not answer Claudia, but
turned to Matthew instead. Il spent great
deal of money Matthew she said with a
deprecating little laugh. Il hope you don't
mind
For the first time in her life she was not
humble before him; that look of alteration
was absent from her eyes, and Matthew had
queer feeling of suddenly encountering a
strange personality. 1t was gone in an in
slant however, for Julie had not really
changed. 1t was too soon for that