She sought occupation eagerly: came oftener
than usual for money, saying, it was for "Luxury." She visited the poor
more constantly, taking one of the maids with her, at Mrs. Dodd's
request. She studied Logic with Edward. She went to bed rather early,
fatigued, it would appear, by her activity: and she gave the clue to her
own conduct one day: "Mamma," said she, nobody is downright unhappy who
is good."
Mrs. Dodd noticed also a certain wildness and almost violence, with which
she threw herself into her occupations, and a worn look about the eyes
that told of a hidden conflict. On the whole Mrs. Dodd was hopeful; for
she had never imagined the cure would be speedy or easy. To see her child
on the right road was much. Only the great healer Time could "medicine
her to that sweet peace which once she owned;" and even Time cannot give
her back her childhood, thought the mother, with a sigh.
One day came an invitation to an evening party at a house where they
always wound up with dancing. Mrs. Dodd was for declining as usual for
since that night Julia had shunned parties.
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