The Story of Julia Page eBook

Kathleen Norris
This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 534 pages of information about The Story of Julia Page.

The Story of Julia Page eBook

Kathleen Norris
This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 534 pages of information about The Story of Julia Page.

“I’m going to Cass’s to telephone, and I need some cigarettes,” George announced from the door.  “I’ll be back in five minutes for Julie.”

“Don’t forget to get a drink while you’re in Cass’s,” Emeline reminded him, as she flung an embroidered dress over Julia’s limp little draggled petticoats.  George’s answer was a violent slamming of the hall door.

Julia’s little face was radiant as her mother tied on a soiled white straw bonnet covered with roses, and put a cologne-soaked handkerchief into the pocket of her blue velvet coat.  The little girl did not have many pleasures; there were very few children in the neighbourhood, and Julia was not very strong; she easily caught colds in dark O’Farrell Street, or in the draughty hall.  All winter long she had been hanging over the coal fire in the front room, or leaning against the window watching the busy street below—­but today was spring!  Sunlight glorified even the dreary aspect from the windows above “J.  Cassidy’s” saloon, and the glorious singing freshness of the breeze, the heavenly warmth of the blue air, had reached Julia’s little heart.

When she was quite dressed, and was standing at the window patiently watching for her father, Emeline came and stood beside her.

“I’ll tell you what!” said Emeline suddenly.  “I’ll go, too!  It’s too grand to be indoors today; we’ll just go out to the Park and take in the whole show!  And then perhaps papa’ll take us somewhere to dinner!”

She began swiftly to dress, pinning on a hat that George liked, and working on long gray kid gloves as a complement to a gray gown.  Then she came to stand behind Julia again, and both watched the street.

“I guess he’s waiting for his change?” suggested Julia, and Emeline laughed.

“We’ll walk over and take the Geary Street car,” said she.  “We’ll go right to the fountain, and get dummy seats.  And we could have dinner at the Poodle Dog—­”

“Here he comes!” Julia cried.  And indeed George was to be seen for a moment, between two friends, standing on the corner.

A long wait ensued.  Then steps came up the stairs.  Emeline, followed by Julia, went to the door.  It was not George, but a note from George, delivered by Henny, of Cassidy’s saloon.

“Dear Em,” Emeline read, “a couple of the fellows want me to go to Emeryville, have dinner at Tony’s, and sit in a little game afterward.  Tell Julie I will take her to the Park to-morrow—­and buy her anything she wants.  George.”

“Thanks, Henny,” Emeline said, without visible emotion.  But Julia’s lip quivered, and she burst into bitter crying.  Six-years-old knows no tomorrows, and Julia tasted the bitterness of despair.  She cried quietly, her little body screwed into a big armchair, her face hidden in the crook of a thin little arm.  Emeline stood it as long as she could, then she slapped and shook Julia to stop her, and Julia strangled and shrieked hysterically.

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Project Gutenberg
The Story of Julia Page from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.