She drew back a fold of the lace curtain and peered through the window-pane and the closed shutters into the street.
The short, wintery afternoon was darkening into twilight, and the sky was obscured by dark, heavy clouds. The proud, imperious beauty leaned her brow against the cold pane, trying to solve the problem that tormented her mind.
"I must get rid of her somehow. She dimly suspects treachery on my part. If she goes out of the house again she will prosecute her search and learn all," she thought. "Ah, I have a plan! If I could only detain her here long enough to have that doctor come and take her to the maison de santé where mamma is, she would never get out again!"
She turned swiftly, crossed the room to Flower, and sat down by her side on the sofa, placing her white arm around her sister's neck.
"My poor little sister, forgive me my harshness," she whispered, penitently.
The drooping, despondent girl started and looked up. That Judas face was wreathed in a loving smile that bewildered her. Never had she caught such a look on her half-sister's face since their early happy days ere Laurie Meredith's love had come between their hearts.
"Jewel!" she exclaimed, incredulously.
"Darling Flower!" answered the other, and clasped her victim in a loving embrace, whispering, fondly:
"You see how the old love comes back, dear, in spite of all my efforts to be your enemy. After all, we are half-sisters. Nothing can alter that, just as nothing can wholly change our love that was so sweet and strong when we believed ourselves twins. I forgive you all, for—listen"—and she pressed her lips to Flower's cold cheek—"I loved him, too, you know, and if he had fancied me I might have been his victim instead of you."
Flower clung to her, weeping, all her resentment and suspicion melted before this specious show of solicitude and affection.