Julie went up the walk and up the steps and, taking the key from her bag, unlocked the door and threw it open. The cold musty smell of the closed house rushed out to meet her, but she entered unhesitatingly. In the kitchen she set down her bag and the little kitten, and went about opening the windows and throwing shutters wide so that the sun and fresh air flooded in. As she looked out from the front window of her shop, she saw a woman walking down the middle of the street with a white mask over her mouth. Julie stared at her for a moment. “So the flu’s reached Hart’s Run,” she thought, and wondered how bad it was. She had not had any breakfast, and she went out and bought some supplies at the grocery. A new clerk was there who did not know her. “Where’s Picket Forster?” she asked. “Over in France,” the new clerk returned briefly. Julie went back with her purchases and got herself some breakfast, and was feeding the famished kitten, when the back door darkened and Mrs. Dolly Anderson’s large figure towered above her. “_Well_,” she cried, her eyes snapping, “I never b’lieved ’em when they said you was back.” “Yes, I’m back,” Julie returned simply. The other continued to stand and stare. “Where you been all this time?” she demanded at length. “In Richmond,” Julie answered. “In Richmond? Well, there’s been a heap of talk goin’ the rounds about you, Julie.” “I suppose there has,” Julie assented. She sat down and, taking the kitten which was fed and comforted now, upon her knee, began to stroke it softly. “Won’t you sit down?” she said politely. “No, I’ll not sit down,” Mrs. Anderson returned heavily, and remained upon her feet. “Julie,” she said at length, “did you--did you--” she hesitated. “Did I go off with Mr. Bixby, you mean,” Julie answered steadily. “Yes, I did. We’ve been together in Richmond for the last two months.” The other woman’s mouth dropped open. “An’ you _dare_ to come back here to Hart’s Run an’ tell a tale like that?” she cried furiously. “I don’t dare not to. I want folks to know the truth.” “You _want_ ’em to know?” “Yes, I want to stand straight with the world.” “You _want_ ’em to know?” the other reiterated violently. “Well, upon my soul! I don’t believe you’ve got one shred of decency left.” She glared at Julie, who made no retort but went on gently stroking the kitten, which was curled on her knee, comforted now, and blowing an occasional silver bubble as it purred. “_Quit_ foolin’ with that nasty little cat, an’ listen to me!” Mrs. Anderson stormed. “What I want to know is how you ever come to do such a thing--raised like you’ve been?”