me to cut me off from everything I _really_ want--as though the job itself were a menace to my happiness. I guess it came over me yesterday when your cousin--"

"Niece," interrupted Marc.

"--When your _niece_ was in the office. She seemed so gay, so much that I should be, but am not. It seemed only fair to talk to you first, before leaving." Marc glanced nervously toward the bedroom door.

"But what has the agency to do with it?"

"I wish I knew," said Julie. "It's just a feeling that I have."

"But I can't let you go, Julie." The note of urgency crept back into Marc's voice. "And you mustn't envy Toffee. You see, she's just escaping a dull existence herself--and only momentarily. She'll be returning soon. Perhaps right away." A sudden light came into Julie's eyes. "Besides, I know what you feel. I've felt the same thing myself for years. The trouble was that I let myself get used to it and after a time, I didn't know the difference. I'm sure I know how to help myself now and I think that I could help you too--if you'll let me--if you'll stay. Please don't leave, Julie."As Julie listened to Marc, her expression became softly radiant. "Perhaps you're right, Marc," she said quietly. Marc reached out and took her hand in his. Suddenly, from behind the bedroom door, came the soft hiss of a shower. Instantly, Julie drew back.

"Joseph must be back," said Marc quickly. "Taking a shower?"

"Oh, yes--he often takes showers this time of day. Very clean man. Says cleanliness is next to Godliness, or something of the sort. Very clean--spotless, you might say." Marc began to realize that he was babbling and stopped short.

"Of course," said Julie, smiling. "I should have remembered Joseph. It gave me rather a start, I thought we were alone."

"You'll be back in the morning then?" Marc asked anxiously. "Please say you will."

Julie regarded Marc thoughtfully.

"Yes," she said slowly. "It doesn't seem now that there was ever anything wrong." She turned toward the door.

"Julie--"

"Yes?" She turned, and as she did so Marc caught her in his arms. He kissed her briefly and released her, stepping back embarrassedly. Julie smiled up at him for a moment and then said quickly: "It's a wonderful job, I wouldn't quit for anything." The door closed softly 

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