Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-03-28

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90 late
You'll go, then. sophy. dear?' urged
the man.
sophy? olmstead strained his eyes down
into the shadows. He could have sworn to
that ripping laugh as Miss Sallie's.
The girl rose and stood with her back to
the fire. Her graceful slender figure was
outlined against the glowing background
that tied her gown. Her curls. caught up
loosely in disorder, fell around her spar
king face.
The man was looking at her steadily.
II never saw you like this before, Sophy,
he said.
TELL me over again.
II have the horses outside. We can ride
to the station, take the train, go to Rich
mond and be married. and then you can
come back and no one will be the WISER.
said the girl slowly.
There it is again." said the man savage
ly. You know your father wouldn't con-
sent"
II should like to be married from home
said the girl Her face was white now.
Suddenly the man rose and caught her In
his arms. There was a swift, short strug-
gle, during which Olmstead stood with his
nails cutting into the skin Of his clenched
hands. Then the girl pushed the man back
mo. Don. no. she said.
"sallie, sallie" the wall came from
across the gallery where the stairway led to
other twin. candle held high above her
head. Over her white gown drifted long.
pink ribbons; one trembling hand graspec
the railing.
Then she went swiftly down the steps
The man in front of the fire looked dazed
Miss Sallie looked from the bewildered
man to the accusing sister on the stairs
then she spoke in a slow. even voice.
When 1 came home this morning
knew that something had happened. We
Sophy and l, are different from other sis
tiers. What happens to one must communi-
cate itself to the other. 1 had kept heI
away from the dance, because l knew you
were home again. / let Betty plan to
have you bring me home, because l wanted
to see you, to plead with you to lei heI
alone"
The man sank on the seat. cowed by
the Scorn in her voice.
Il stayed with her tonight until she was
asleep. Then I shut her window and the
door, so tat no sound should reach her,
and | listened until I heard you whistle
1 had on her dressing gown and left my
own in its place. l knew the blue ribbons
would confuse you. So l came down to
find that you wanted to carry her off In
as your fancy" her voice trailed off into
a sob.
"salie!" Miss sophy's eyes were blazing
now. Il want to go. I am going. Years
ago l promised, and father broke. it off.
l will 60"
Father broke it off because Don drank
and was not worthy
"Sophy,'' said the man. He held out his
arms and she crept into them sobbfng. She
turned her face up to him and he laid both
of his hands on her curls. Then over her
head he looked at Miss Sallie.
You can't help 1t, Sallie,' he said DO
you understand, We are going-tonight.
NOT tonight! The three started as the
calm tones floated down.
Over the rail leaned Olmstead. His big
figure obscured by the darkness
who is this?
Young Dade was scowling black1y.
"A gentleman" said Miss Salle, softly.
Her cheeks were redder than the flames
and her eyes brighter than the stars
'From?'
Nowhere" said Olmstead easily. "a
soldier of fortune If you will, enlisted for
the moment in the service of these young
ladies'"
"sophy, will you go?" said Dade furi-
ously.
Miss Sallie sprang forward and twined
her arms about her sister.
"Sophy," she said, "Sophy darling. You
can't leave this way. Think of father, of
the honor Of our women
Slowly Sophy slid to her knees and buried
her face in her sisters dress.
Through the darkness Olmstead came
down and stood in front of the door.
Then all at once Miss Sophy got up from
the floor and went over to her lover.
Don" she said, dear, Don. Go away
ways, bad or good. But won't you please,
Don; oh, won't you please try to be good
for my sake. so that I can marry you with
a proud hearth"
Olmstead turned and looked through the
window into the misty night, while Miss
Sallie covered on the settee. When they
looked again Miss Sophy was in Dade's
arms, but now there were tears on his
cheeks.
T"I was mad I think" he said, ito ask
her But I want-her-. Perhaps when
come again. you'll let me have her."
His words, low in their humility, were
addressed to Miss Sal.ie.
Indeed, we will, Don, dear" she said, and
then with look at Olmstead, she slipped
He followed her, and they walked back
and forth in the darkness.
What do you think of us?' said Miss
Sallie The pale moon shone on her up
lifted face.
II don't dare tell you what I think Of
you" said Olmstead. unsteadily. TT is too
soon"
Then in a wonderful silence they wander
ed down the rose-bordered walk, and saw
across the sky the first faint line Of the
dawn.
AS they stood by the little summer house,
Dade came out of the big door and mounted
his horse. He rode up to the porch. Miss
Sophy rested her cheek for minute against
his coat and he bent his head Then he
rode away.
II must go to her." whispered Miss Sal
lie.
But Olmstead held her back. Gould you
love like that?' he whispered.
Miss Sallie was pale no longer. What
do you think?"
Oimstead took her hands and gazed
straight down into the lmpid eyes. Il
IL ba