CHAPTER IX

“My wife!” The words jangled through Julie’s mind like a sharply pulled bell till they tinkled into stillness. In the silence which followed Jim Trafford’s announcement the hiveward humming of a honey-laden bee rumbled like an express train against the girl’s ear-drum. Slow color tinted the pallor of her startled face as she forced herself to meet Cheever’s eyes. To her amazement they showed not a trace of mockery. His expression was puzzled, dazed as he looked from the girl to the woman and on to Trafford. The mas…