Chapter 12

           WhenJuliagottobedandslippedherfeetdowntothecomfortofherhot-waterbottle,shetookahappylookatherroom,rose-pinkandNattier-blue,withthegoldcherubsofherdressing-table,andsighedwithsatisfaction.ShethoughthowveryMadamedePompadouritwas.Sheputoutthelightbutshedidnotfeelatallsleepy.ShewouldhavelikedreallytogotoQuag’sanddance,butnottodancewithMichael,todancewithLouisXVorLudwigofBavariaorAlfreddeMusset.ClaironandtheBaldel’Opera.SherememberedtheminiatureCharleshadoncegivenher.Thatwashowshefelttonight.Suchanadventurehadnothappenedtoherforages.Thelasttimewaseightyearsbefore.Thatwasanepisodethatsheoughttohavebeenthoroughlyashamedof;goodness,howscaredshe’dbeenafterwards,butshehadinpointoffactneverbeenabletothinkofitsincewithoutachuckle.

           Thathadbeenanaccidenttoo.Shehadbeenactingforalongtimewithoutarestandshebadlyneededone.TheplayshewasinwasceasingtoattractandtheywereabouttostartrehearsinganewonewhenMichaelgotthechanceoflettingthetheatretoaFrenchcompanyforsixweeks.ItseemedagoodopportunityforJuliatogetaway.DollyhadrentedahouseatCannesfortheseasonandJuliacouldstaywithher.ItwasjustbeforeEasterwhenshestartedoff,andthetrainssouthweresocrowdedthatshehadnotbeenabletogetasleeper,butatatravelagencytheyhadsaidthatitwouldbequiteallrightandtherewouldbeonewaitingforheratthestationinParis.