The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1921-12-28
TWO SISTERS
Chapter IA


Amy-Aimee. as she signed herself
now-was developing with a rapidity |
that astonished her mother. In fact,
she had long since developed far be-
yond Mrs. Talbot's comprehension.
IT'S no sort of life to lead" the
mother would grumble when Amy's
head with its tumbled mass OF glow
ing hair appeared in the dining room
doorway.
It's a fine life" Amy would answer
this ceremony was gone through al
most every day. She would glance at
the clock, which usually pointed to 10
or half past. disappear tor her bath,
and return for her breakfast her skin
glowing from a hot and cold shower,
and silly. frivolous, enchanting cap
of lace and ribbons holding in some
of her hair.
Amy was the type that looks best
in fancy costume. She had enough OF
the picturesque about her to be quite
perfect in picturesque garb. Amy was
put on the stage in many perform
ance where her voice did not matter,
because she made up so wonderfully.
And in the blue crepe silk robe that
had been Glars, and the lacey cap
with a long streamer of broad ribbon
falling down the back, and her eyes
still little sleepy behind their long
lashes, she was study for any beauty
lover
Amy breakfasted, dressed and prac-
tised a little until noon Then she was
gone for the day. An Italian lesson
took her time until o'clock, hurried
re-
lowed Her singing lessons had been
dispensed with, the chorus work suf-
feed Dancing lessons were sand
wiched in on nights when she was not
in a performance; Claire gave her
French lessons and piano lessons at
odd moments.
And somehow, in spite of all this,
she managed to keep her freshness
and her high spirits. and TO go out a
lot. One reason was that she was 4
quick scholar, she picked up languages
with amazing ease. And she was SO
much in love with her work that II
was recreation for her.
But parties" had to be after the
theatre performances and the opera
They began almost at II; they lasted
until l. They were innocuous enough
eight or ten people sitting about
laughing and talking and eating, and
perhaps singing, with the piano sott
ened so as not to disturb others III
the apartment house. Sometimes they
lasted until in the morning, and
Mrs. Talbot wondered when all these
people ever worked or slept.
But go to bed, your room is way
down the hall and you can't hear US
with the door shut" Amy would say
tlnaF~
planned of the hours.
II don't mind losing sleep. | MIND
you losing it," Mrs. Talbot would an
swer
What difference does it make if
stav I'D two hours later and sleep two
hours late? At home | went TO bee
at 10 and got up at 6; now | go tc
bed at and get up at 10, or later
It's always eight hours sleep Amy
seemed TO think this justified her en-
tirely.
Jane began dropping out OF these
parties. At first she was always pres
ant. her keen eyes watching each new
man that was brought in TO meet hel
Younger sister. her mouth .curving tc
a humorous smile as she saw each one
fall victim to the young girls charm
Then Mrs. Talbot discovered tina
Jane was the real confident of Amy
Amy was always on the defensive
with her mother, always ready to JUS
tifv the men and women who came
there. and the things they said ani
did.
Mother, you are so old-fashioned.
she would end up. And that seemed
to explain everything as far as thu
girl was concerned.
But she told everything to Jane
And one night, when Mrs. Talbot wa
living awake, waiting to hear Am.
come home-she never managed Il
sleep before all her family were IN
der the roof, she said-she overhear'
scraps of talk that alarmed her TO
days.
She was on the borderland OF sleel
but waiting to hear the opening ant
closing of the hall door Jane wa
already in bed Her room was next Z
Mrs. Talbots. Each girl had couc-
in it. Mr. Talbot's door was slghti
aiar-because she wanted to hea
Amy's return. Amy came down tn
hall. opened the door of James room