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This story was written from the Photoplay of SHANNON FIFE
""V/'ou couldn't be more absent; minded if you were in love ! ' ' Belle Thorne tossed the remark lightly over her shoulder at her sister. She had no notion that she was aiming so well, until a deep carnation burned suddenly in Jane's smooth, pale cheeks. Belle's fingers fell from the keys. She drew in her breath sharply. Then, rising, she went to the window and stood looking away, her forehead pressed to the cool glass. In the distance a tall, lithe figure was leading a black horse toward the stables. The sight of him wrenched the girl's heart like a pain. It was some moments before she dared to face her sister again, but when she did she was cool and cynical.
"But after all, I suppose there isn't any likelihood of our falling in love, marooned on this stupid old plantation," she said casually, watching Jane's face under lowered lashes. "We'll doubtless stay here till we grow wrinkled and ancient, and knit afghans, and people call us 'the Thorne girls' — pleasant prospect!"
Jane put down her needle, undecided. She had a piece of news for her sister which she was both proud
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and afraid to tell her. It was a glimpse of the same tall figure thru the window that decided her.
"Belle, dear — suppose I should say I had fallen in love already?" she said softly. ' ' Would you care ? ' '
1 ' Care ! ' ' There was raillery in the other's voice. She laughed gaily. "Dear, dear, I believe I'm on the track of a romance. Who is it, Jane, honey?"
Jane gestured toward the sunny landscape lying beyond the windows.
"Mr. Grey?" There was hope in Belle's voice, fiercely restrained.
"Mr. Grey! Heavens, no, that stupid, homely old thing! Why, he's as old as father was ! Guess again. ' '
Beneath the elder sister's beauty writhed a wild rout of passions; for an instant it seemed to her that she hated Jane. Since childhood she had given her treasures uncomplainingly to this sister — her dolls, her ribbons; and now she must yield — him.
"Pedro?"
"Oh, Belle, to think he loves me!" she sighed. "It was only yesterday he told me. I never dreamed — but I'd been caring for him for a long time. I cant really remember when I