Omaha daily bee., 1903-05-03

Colonel Talliaferro would not hear OF hi
leaving that day. So late that night Ohm
stead laid himself down in bed and looked
out upon the same moon that had stared a
him in the sleeper.
Through the open window came the syee.
air OF the mountains, the cool linen sheet!
smelt of lavender. With one heave of hi,
tired body, Olmstead sank into the uuie.
sleep OF the strong. But the man who ha:
slept on the plains keeps an ear open fol
sounds.
The sound that wakened Olmstead wa.
the high, sweet laughter of Miss Sallie
Then, all at once, came the subdued, deer
tones OF a man. Olmstead slipped into his
clothes. In vain he assured himself thai
1t was not his business. Has not a mar
instincts?
He opened the door softly and stepped
out. The wide gallery that followed the
square OF the house was just above the
great hall of the FIRST floor. Olmstead, high
up in the shadows, could not be seen by the
two people who sat before the fire. There
was no light but the light of the flames.
Miss Sallie, in a white, flowing gown, leaned
back in the great settee. Opposite her was
a man. young, handsome. He wore riding
boots and carried a crop.
NHNA SVAAN bdllObg llOukH nuS06Q, WdS
Ineligible to the listener.
80 you weren't frightened tonight %
laughed the man.
Miss Sallie tossed her head. You're
not so very dreadful, DOM she coquetted.
Il scared you last night when you opened
the door"
Last night! Oh, limpid eyes!
Oh remarked the self-contained Miss
Talliaferro, 81 thought 1t was-my sister.
and when you came in, alone. and it was
so 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.
olmstead could see now the blue ribbons
that tied her gown. Her curls, caught
up loosely in disorder, fell around her
sparkling face.
The man was looking at her steadily.
he said.
Tell me over again"
Il never saw you like this before, Sophy."
i have the horses outside. We can ride
to the station, take the train. go to Rich
"HN w mail leu, anu lneQ you can
come back and no one will be the wiser.
But why not tell father-and sallie 2'
said the girl slowly.
There it is again. said the man saw
agely. You know your father wouldn't
consent"
1 should like to be married from home"
said the girl. Her face was white now.
I'VE Talliaferro's don't like to do things in
the dark"
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 cIenehed
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 the hoor below. On the top step stood
the other twin, a candle held high above
her head Over her white gown drlfted
long, pink ribbons, one trembling hand
grasped the railing.
Then she went swiftly down the stems
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 came home this morning I knew
that something had happened. We. Sophy
and /, are different from other sisters.
What happens to one must communicate
itself to the other. I had kept her away
from the dance because l knew you were
home again. l let Betty plan to have you
bring me home, because | wanted to see
you, to plead with you to let her alone"
The man sank on the seat, cowed by the
scorn in her voice.
81 stayed with her tonight until she was
asleep, Then l shut her window and the
door. so that no sound should reach her,
and I listened until l heard you whistle.
! had on her dressing gown and left my
own in It's place. l knew the blue ribbons
would confuse you, So / came down to find
that You wanted to carry her off in the dead
OF the night, to marry her--or not--as your
fancy" her voice trailed off into q sob.
"Saliie!' Miss Sophy's eyes were blazing
now -I .anL La-H. L----.- -