Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1924-10-09
CHAPTER XIV
Defiance

r ULIE had not been married a week be-
fore she realized thae she was nothing
~ more than a fgurehead in her hus-
band s home Carefully, insidiously, Claudia
had instilled into the minds Of the servants
the idea that Julie was not competent to
handle them. The result was that might
be naturally expected. Claudia was virtually
the head of the house and when it was
necessary to consult any one, the servants
went to her.
Julie was conscious Of the fact that the
servants treated her with scarcely yelled in
science She knew that she ought to assert
herself, that she ought to take the reins OF
government into her own hands, but she was
handicapped by the fact that she was igno-
rant of everything. She had no idea or
how to go about ordering things, and yet she
was clever enough to realize that Claudia
was not taking the burden of management
on her own shoulders because of desire to
be kind and helpful, but because she de-
spised her stepmother.
In the meantime Claudia was doing exact
ly as she liked On nights when Matthew
did not return from the city until late, she
made her own plans, confident that Julie
would not dare do anything about it. She
was high-handed. She treated her stepf
mother with scarcely yelled contempt and
Julie who knew no one in Brompton Manor
was forced to spend great deal of the time
alone.
One night at dinner Matthew made sug-
gestion.
1--WE must give some kind of a reception
to introduce you to society, Julie. You and
Claudia can get it up between you. Claudia
will know whom to ask and I'll make ar
engagements with the caterer.
He smiled at Julie he spoke, and as his
eyes rested on her, he realized with a sense
of satisfaction how much better she was
looking. Her dress of pale yellow crepe was
very becoming To be sure her manner was
Clio Cnh6 hut no
was natural. Until she became used to the
change he could hardly expect her to be
different and he was delighted to see how
we'll she getting along with Claudia.
I'm afraid l have been rather selfish"
he went on after a moment Business has
been rather heavy this week, but from now
on I'll do better. Well dinner in town,
Julie, and how about two weeks from Satur-
day for the reception?'
Claudia nodded eagerly, but Julie was ST.
lent. She shrank from meeting her hus-
bands friends, and she was uncertain about
what her duties ought to consist Of. II
only there were some one she could go to
for help and advice. If only she dared to
assert herself where Claudia was concerned.
She knew that Matthew expected her to
command respect from her step-daughter. If
he knew the truth of things he might even
blame her for allowing Claudia. to do what
she had. And yet, what could she do!
Claudia's disdan was bad enough, but her
enmity would be worse.
Two nights later, Matthew telephoned
from town that he would not be home until
the late train. At dinner Claudia appeared
in black lace evening frock cut quite scam
dalousy low. She evidently going some
where later, and Julie, who eyed her step
daughter from under lowered lashes, felt she
ought to make some attempt to learn
Claudias plans.
you're going out somewhere" she be-
gan tentatively
eyes" Claudia's tone was curt, her eye
brows suddenly arched in surprise.
Where are you going? Does you father
know about it?
For moment there was silence, and then
Claudia laughed.
mo he doesn't happen to know about it,
but what of that? Had you thought of tell
ing him? Why this sudden concern on your
part, Julie? Don't you think it's rather
late to begin the mother role with me? Id
advise you to keep your hands off,!
observation-disclosures Plain Facts"