“You are sure of this, that they do not want you to leave them and that you are legally their child. Isn’t that some consolation?”
“A little.”
“And they have known it all along and yet have loved you to pieces and been so proud of you and everything.”
Sidney brightened a little at this suggestion, but soon she sobered again. “There is one thing, though, Shirley, I’m going to bear it and never complain to either of them. I do know what they have done for me. I have thought of that, Shirley. But I have to wait a little. I can’t do it now. I am glad that I have told you and it will be good to see you occasionally. You will stand by, won’t you, and keep the other girls from knowing what is the matter?”
“Mercy yes!” Shirley gasped at the very idea of her telling any one.
“I always have liked you down in my heart, Shirley, though I just couldn’t stand it to have you look so like me.”
“I don’t blame you,” laughed Shirley. “I didn’t exactly relish it myself, but I thought that it would only be for a little while, and wouldn’t spoil the fun much.”
Sidney laughed with Shirley and then led her into her bedroom where she drew her before the mirror. “If twins ever looked more alike than that,” Sidney finally said, “then, as my friend Ran Roberts says, I’m a fishworm!”
“You are coming on, Sidney,” said Shirley. “Goodbye, Twin. If you get lonesome, come around. I’m studying, or shall be, but ever and anon I shall long for intermission.”