"But you mustn't leave." There was an immediacy in Marc's tone. "How would I get on without you? If it's a matter of salary—."
"No, it isn't that. You give me more than enough to get by on. As a matter of fact, I don't know where I'll ever get a better job."
Marc looked at her questioningly.
"Well, I don't know just how to explain it. It's just something that's come over me all of a sudden. I've a strange feeling that I'm wasting my life there, as if something were closing in on 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.