$200 WORLD FAMOUS SIAMESE | 7 2, JOINED TOGETHER & me ot Sas aS LOVES AND LIVES of thePREFACE The aulbiography ofthe Hilton Sisters, fameus San Antonio Siamese Twins ix ‘stounding sory. Sold ino viral slvéry at birth exploited, mistreated and misunder Sted, Daisy ar Volt Hilton revel ia the pages at follow, the ietimate and never foretold sary oftheir strate fr lowe and happiness ‘The autobiography i tru in every detail. The ilstrationsltough borrowed frm scenes of the motion picture entitled “Chained fer Life n which the Hillon Sisters pay the leading role, noverthelw dept actual events oftheir THE LOVES AND LIVES OF THE HILTON SISTERS pai nk Ve ten TBE poe cine vn have ben fo edo us ant from te meet of oa inh "You are andesbtedly wondering many things stout oar uran a8 ou read this™ the sory we Sever intended to tl We have not wl ie before pertape pou, ton, hive imagiaed that, joined tegther we at, there old be no such thing Fe ether afm a iy how two hams beings can endure Yates ving tgrberharninaly. Yeh ne. witot pres, wt ‘he ft known twine 9th Tily bre were har in iam, we are believed to sbire identical vil, pains and even diseases ‘The truth that we ae at different In our Fe ‘tons a day apd night Ty Vile often weep over something which taaes my ster chur. I had whooping cough 1 yer and «half before Daisy, We id nt even aide the meses from cach oer! Yetevery tath rety soo of the day td tit we ae fever parted. We wll never bein ie, albough the scents offen tied to persue ws to allow {heen to expeient in utig ws apart Because af our bend we vegser moods end ‘woremets of cok ter, We re teh fel ‘urs end vibration Bal ther two god inde as Sesleri ‘Shepingy eating, walking, bathing. and dre ings drinking aod taking lovee share ot iv, just ao amibly on we shared our eildhood {oye tout quareling Te eva Known th fll ssl omctions—eren ions that bur el Besar ese th Bart ‘We never coms or advise, We simply tl each ster ont with: For intan , Dalay, may wast {ogo shopping when myst, Vibe, hor 8 Reale 1, Vile tell Dalby that at «certain tne the following day Tl go shopping wih et. Having foge glven ec my word, nothing wil sop me- ‘least, nthing eer hs Ata neiter of wr want ty bcome 0 mary We have loved, hated, dreamed aed hoped and wep We have been engaged cry to promi Tal baedsme ten oer women admired. We iar bh ben are ‘Oar marriages were headlined throughout te raion. Late, Viole, wil tell yu the werd tory of henrbresk which Tey hidden bed the Usidced type asi printed the snstional news that 21" stats bad refuel to howe a marrage Homme t darebaized Maurice Lambert, the pop lar bandleader, and me. have aright to lve nd marrige, just wo my sltce s. We have always longed to have homes ‘su hatkands and simple lives wher experienc. "Whee Jomes Waller Moore, my. sittisttve Aang parr, and Tsai our vows, more than 100,00 pesers attendel the weiling T looked ou ever the crowd and pulled my veding el ever my fase to hide my exced Tenrebut Daisy war cnvaled with minh was ae yur Interven Iy Daisy, raid the wavy aid, blueeyed dancer, Harald Eat, tow 0 walhbnow Poiedelptia family, Sarty 3) eS egal eee tay sister, Viel who af coure was with me TBogh i ally was analytical, friendly Btn ‘wally len, "Yet re acre quateled tough there emotional tial I ar hough some Paver, reser nd ‘Stronger than oursclees, fa given i thin iner Intomony to oompemate fr our being freed to ive comtanly ar ar anit. And thet harmony hasbeen with us trough the yeare—e harmony that har amaaed many whe have knows Here woe careflly, factually sting down ‘he tangible and intangible we” have stn ‘boot human rlainchip Aboot each she, oo loving each ether, bound by physieal and spitules we spre euch eter nothing, exept ad: ‘oe and domination, Ave we enol agety or ‘minimise ar wesknesen amd strength, Ne fete our characters are hidden or ean be, from tach the. Aye we have worked oa secs {ally «way te live var separate at yry pivte Hive “De you relly like—or hale—each other Aeeuph our eseapable moments of timate many have asked "Who makes he deiions Who determines your Jon ttn Ma?” And «lion ober Fenn ‘White 9 Tike show busines. vein am impale” and talkative end ‘idmetioned. “Violet have ack fir and age eyes ve sever weighed mere than 89 My shoce fre sae Ty im 4 fet, 11 dacs tll ve aay Toaged to become a ars. I live in my bart setae alo ah on tli fou can see that together we ave ‘camrast od balance, sve propelled each ste “There seered oy # short time uni we gai somed sn direction, "Then, something happened! We discovered to cur dismay that me could mot pass yen the leg tthe bed, or table, was between ce We pave procemes ingan to func, We tied and ted etn” sod gun 10 pase the table Teg and the dp ‘aod then to build bowser—abwaye wit the same dastrous rsa One of wr woud have to be allowed to build her house alone while the ‘her ‘mained’ matiolou.” Which one? Why, thesone whe wanted mare te bul f “The thought dnt take ach clear form ont Imer years, but we soon stopped weeping becaise ‘we bad to ive in now and ten orgie up. Ost Piysea hood was mat going to be’ cur row tre both decided on tata decision was aided iy th alton ht ig meer Mone nt lnnsome, ‘There wax aways lay uae ther, ‘Wo learned Tsien vary, We Teared to sty @ ie, alough we talked before other token by ig, cari aired woman who bated, Aras and ftv She never peed okie ‘gyn led, She jut ld “Your moter gave you to me. You ere mot my Gildren Your madicr gave you to me” The ‘tech row linger as we row alder: Jour moter. Your mother was ata when you Were ora and gave you tte when You were {wo went old You mas alway de joan." "Tis woman was Mi Mary Wiliams, be mide site who tended our coming nto the werk ‘he kee us clean stn To and taut o to rely fm ach eer: We were nag teal her Aunt tn ech af her five bands was Se "Aun had’ a daugher, & hig ahs bt we were table cor tees from them mach hoot sur pares, Mote, they sa tran named Kate. She an youn and pry and ‘he marred Capa Hilton, He marred mather firstname, Auntie and bath colin remember. However, Auntie remembered to tells tt 2 prety, oval face framed with wellinded aie.” Aboot hee ast wae always wide Tether bel, fasten Irth a'Targe meal Buckle. And it tock only & Tile jerk fe relense the buckle. Her temper Was something that her daughter or hubands ooald ‘ot contral—and when. we displeased her she ‘hipped our backs and shoulders withthe buckle Tad that sme wide bel "Sel never it your face gia” Auntie’ third husband, Sir Green, whinperel Wo ur ene Buln tna bae ec look at litle Siamese tine with seared foc a eat eee Se EAS ee ieee Seca Sao ca ees nieces eee eres feeee oe Soret ae Rte eerie ae Se ore! and aeueeiae cia Spee a eeu ter es 2 See 2 een -serniched snd kicked. Si eat cea OT cesar ti RE a a Soa eeeea ees ol papain eel eee as poe eee Pe ee nea ig ay ae re to Violet ee eee emt eee ne ea wee eee esos poem tee as See a ae eet oe es cal poten ener Ree eer ce eens making the experiment. <7 ernie ss Ake tre ig i a ee "Our carlo memories center shout a doe ‘with Auntie to permit him to ou sore Teg wa all ie Hae ave ‘tr eure, To hit day it yeas ‘doco oie, begging to experinet it ‘We hoped then oat Sor mother would co Se Ep ney we wee tal F teva all rigs too and ag that fake ever inerfred wh our crete ‘ay Auaic the midwife to whom she gave ws the age ef tro wens ton alings (83.50) Hundreds of doctors have tried vatious unsions throughout our iene. Even tt ‘Ais was too ener for prof let wo cone the “jet of oxperimet So tt ab ‘aking ts "he snared Samos twin alive! ‘Avan early age, we were ight ose, and sing, We spake plainly, pethps boease {Es much practice frm taking to sachet fd Bea we mere never ‘tier cides We copied the seh ~ However today we probably tlk to each tt Jes than erdinary vit vig inthe ame Be We have bon forced to doth bcnun we woe desay each oh privacy. ‘Aa strongly a0 we have fought again bit separated, we have dorm te Woe bara intl in ur hand yo be seo have ‘Prva lives In ode to doth, here ae man fle we are ford fellow” Among the 1 te sek adc frm each other hott ac ‘gra ot ft ad oa tng Tse rules were rely ou easy abit, The. began So oun we were amare of thei forme Som Yet W ecm oly phe to tt 8 ‘many peron, when thet Tomy fet agsna havingter! You see, we have learned by experience that there sno adjustment ip human elation hat ‘anne be madeand made bap Sr ait ne in an. ee ah 1st i tay af sige wre Wii" deep Ey and hana ‘Our carly though development was remarkably dui. Our voce. songs i Vise, Wied low tones: 1 Daisy, chine 8 bigher pitch. We. har ‘monized—in many ways which made living Io. (ger more saifactory” Mental ar elle phys {2 restace by either of or wold prove ft the ether cat realise withthe ste policy ton emily i hd te, wrt of th vin a ternled over ‘our ‘commctng by iste wa too aaded. However Vice tra to acampany Dairy ila. ‘When T. Vielets awoke with messes oe mom. ing Daisy ened dscorfor bt for ten days she didnot cath the disease We cousier {outer proo! that our Blocd streams prbsbly fre dierent, (Pehapa weave joined? ae the Aeciors sayy jst a8 Eng’ and bang abd Rone fed Toeft’ Black and ther eta Stamese ‘ring, Decors claim they ‘ould cat and te ep the Hoed vowels and extde nerves and se ie bene of the bridge which joine f the spinal cords which is ney would men the reat experiment, asthe id which bute the cord might escape during the operation. Tit ould mean deat) T felt no tings of pain Tad plurby ‘when Daisy suffered oetmoni,) Wo have never caught dseae from ech eer. Daisy came down sith menses afer Artie put at in a home wilh other cilden who had measles and mumps. We raid wisely in the ‘oral experience of being with eter dulden "Some day’ going to have yellow bai jst 1, Day ried, Now Tam ped of my Bache cars, wih T deen myself. Vio Tet prefers her natural Black reser ‘We id mot know bow to play with cildeen, 1, Volt, was farinnted by the mechanial tye, T limba ‘nd swag on burean Heat. I, Dre. tumused the children by making face af myselt never Heed Yo climbs Veet neve emed ike dll Ten daring ilnss we have never ben bored bythe presence of each ter When “Auntie donered that we could stand in chan rock wil turned over aad lip in the air without falling, she added dancing fee ou Lng days of ay. ‘We had new dancing partors and Vil younger who!d taught ue the Black ‘olay the word kash tx Bab Hope 7 was amazing ow much traning wae ram med into oar ealy Ties preperation for out Ashu in Berlin our fit appearance in thee: tue, we Bad enduranor ese 1, Vile, played "The Princess Walt” two and ball bows wit coat a mistake, Ty Daisy played my vi ‘ircted am och of tnd Edith rathed ur into de dressing oom the midat of the cheering They refuscd to open the door 1b the knocks from akatage folks “Won't you let the gis come out to «litle supper with vs?" Vivian Duncan sake ene nigh ‘Vivian suceeded in coming to our room for & few minute and Soph Tatker and Harry Hen din "were among the few who seed to senae ar mre for frien “ead all the newspapers you can.” Harry Houdini whispered to me, Daly, on 2 cd me in the wings a i he knew ad never been permited to have» newspaper Alter hat we boarded every news set we eo ‘We read the seston tals tod began t look forward tothe day when we oul ge legal aid senghten eat our ‘Ou iver were spent in study and Years wert By, somehow. Then be wert in te United Stats in San Attoni, Texas making ox Aebut in the Temple There. We had become strangely wise and filled wih St Louis 1, Daisy he fifty cone And for seven year thea’ were cur ony pies of motey-—yet tre were making thosande We were not allowed to have frends, bat El ‘Aunts daugier,rocived het Beas in ou ee fll tom while we were appearing with «cleat in Attala He wen the Ellon an and sed ‘dy, to, the grounds, We then tat cet thn he Beged Aue tole him marry Bae Taree oral "Se naod's mano trvel wth will you ire up your Ballon concenion?” Aum whe was earng 60 and ad ln hr ith aa med Eth and this now Sie (an we called him) were murried, and when Auntie developed an Infected leg Sir helped with our booking and trove: He tld us bow a brute hd raised him in Pets aod whipped him when he dno obey. ‘We tok this to mean that be approved of Aunties thrashing us wi bee belt Bakl. ‘is Hingham, Albee, Aue dey and a we looked athe, ou it corpcy ad you might Sy, our fit ‘ad sheds did nat care rithout er” 1, Visa, anewered bosWe had gone tothe funeral parlor with the ter and Sal darn cashes “Well never have » chance Tike this agin!” Violet ated. sell ny ed ad the my nd ad we tae ack me Weed damped ug tun sr rd nt ad iad eb or ea The funeral erin wore over sdf 2 sl we were An nr Ea td Sh The nln oes date at vot weg fr hr toe 1 Vos ed, Dany, sn spa fa Oar teil rte re et trly sha ies Feta tne eel we beat ‘Seem, fl oul te my eden, Mok at ele epee Sonvness ad ine foe ppc “Tel hem, Si? Ea her hat seed co “Tou il belong toon nowt You do jot se we np foe Aunts Me you to You'aod ber jewy aad Taste 2 oat Do ou imraund™ He wved pyro ae Wied wn ng cht ca’ bet i Volt bp ing. ye wan We bal to ook 1 Kadai oly ity we wee fo he Satin oor mins Ove oer Spt ie ie rom wk ea We wer tee of et sigh. “heal lghe over the world soon aed a asin Ou! ey dan {Ea singers mood ut Bata Tage fame 6 fot anoer the wis in or bets Day, a inlet wanted to gt marced. 1: Vile pane {te became a marie Twas in lovey toy ut te ‘man of my dreams wae married’ We had wow 0 jestmens to make ‘Bata 18 and wth he word tour fet we Ind ever dat, never eld and with ‘an or been hissed! “Why cant we gout and have sme fan? Other ils ur age da. Weve never smoked earl, tated © cokall™bad our air et leughe in thie “Vou ate not ether gil! You are Siamese tin!” wa always the never from both Ed si the wings of the theates, across feclighs, men looked at us—nct aa unusual’ perfortern, tnt inthe way they Took at girls they long to ow. Romantic intrest had vereme the seen ‘asrdane Heed ut into the desing roc and back to et Ione ork van met with inevitable exp of tse le cach night We Had no haven of refuge and sree ted a Harry How nce “Live in your mins gi” Ht wr sed Beside tnt Sth wing one gt fn tbat tour. tte your ony hope for Private Ives Jon recagize no handle Daring the ten years following the deh of ‘Aue, the kite to whom tr mother bd ‘eer heats were sare, Rote bad to ber dnaghter, Ede and her he forme ise. ballon saleoman, Sat our minds grew song and our Smee amd of flesh and bone Bream ne of rel cern ing eaween we Out deie to bree with exch ‘Shee was indeed, oor real snlvtion, So ‘much happened” during thve sad yearn en the audeners of the word ised ve Ce {al and carefree, We had lesmed, you se to tour worn aside and in no way oer aie mon ecch ter. Therefore, two dace Pej” sang only plesur’ andthe feeling At wellbeing ever was projected by ur over te Toole of theatre 1k are any to lush wile our bears ached sand yearned for feed and love. "Nae ify love Teers ete scat tows inthe rot sophia cis in Tile towns: dee ie econ of ih al Swe’ payed Tenia, Egy the ret ies of Brope and ercry Shete tany ein the United Sate ad threuphont Coal Ancie “Blgtime!™ Sir would say. “You should be eral ard wing de Fel yout™ Bigtine. The large hocking ens banded ‘yr ac The social an hana Wil Olver, ‘Kaman iy, avled thre weeks ahead a 0 a i a a sme Sir oer allowed jn our presence, and then ew him only seldom and ely He an {ey and in ove within wife, He Called er Nike and sowed ws pictures of ber. tft er oat you” Ba nl. “Autograph picture for mt nd er” Iie could nly Ive forecon what the ste feraphed picture was going to bring abeut in oor Tse! Bat we were to unsuspecting and na even Edith and Sic eee wo ink anything sb the sentence which fy Daisy, penned, and bath of ub Tp our pal, Bill with love and bust wishes ‘um your ly Daly and Vile ton, “hh lve™ dd mean tha we ved Bill ‘tvs were Bis hnnds| that he had himself named ar Tegal gasedan Wha’s more, we utdertood that we eter ut ot hit we ever refused to perform AC his command; me would be pat in an tt. an away—or plot iogeben, SH can gat ta of Fone ny sister cold Aismiss me—mentlly. This ike our manager. Bur it'was our eoly protection fom each other ‘as well as from oe keepers and tsi conta iil By saying it sloud to each ther, we et them know that'we could demic them foo ont ‘amciounes, 100. We could adjust, even them “The Hiken sisters are arative young laos to. Couldnt they be’ allowed to Tok Mike that ittend of kids?” veote a exile when weap raved a Loews Staten Newark, NJ Daisy, jot happened to ead th remark i a newpaper we had read dating our bh showed it to Bait and that day: we visited our fin Aeaity parlor, had out hue eat and marcel ‘Ase waited ithe wing that hight Tor aria, ooked ste while he played, and every word of his ong Semel ean fortes ‘Now my heart hammered she way Viele’ did ‘te ight the famous bueleaer, Be Ste, do ‘ed Rs sng, "Daling ther ‘Don Galvan bowed sf the stage and tod be side’ me. Oar ads laped for tein 2 ced ed Phe my ae gf ae Serge femecion ‘wee EARL Showed Don sexy from Sir eked the bunch of yellow cess which Dow left our dreing room door He would ot permit to pik thon up Atte tel th I realedAunics punsients Visions of the eather srap came to me a Remembering the clasp of Don's hand, hesing is song in my bea forthe fr tine T wns nt said tuned my Back to Sirs Aue had a ‘rage trapped our backs never once ht our fae. “Go ont” T said. “Vou won't kil us, You woulda dotry your med ick!” ‘is black ees tre to lanes. We bad never tala back wo Aun, We bad bento frightened Gt her heavy sap. Hor whippings ed met be a par of ott lives. We had seeped them long with oor dally iaions,sirueles. nd Imonetoncs for love of ech tbe, We tre, ai min a ch ga Me Ing and agzng indent to vemeKidof ln {ot oar erm harmony. Now, «new fight had be: unin ou oul “We've made thaveinds for you bat we never recived a dollar of our amie! You al key caged up like aninal ie ere! Bat tonght if ferent Sir, we are 18. year el Danft you mike eer of we or wel yell ke lea! And get us a separate” ron We'e row ladies and you shoal be sched io foros {Sto share your and Eats ron So that night Sie's Blt didnot work. ath peed the caps of ht chocolate without word, ‘his fem stand andthe reaction ot gave ut seme eit courage. Afer all they depended ‘on cur welling more then wedi on tee Then we were in San Antonio, Tex, living i 4 $7500 bome--e shwplace on, Jacko: Vance fond. ‘The Furnishings and grounds were orate, Stained glass windows Tie toch A owing Doel enous, Lloyd Wrights arith eSeale Taun Tlgn Hid denr he plane And wle the five acres of suroundl arden were Tasdacped and sia wi light £0" tht night lawn party could be ven veee never permite even to entertain any of our cade thre ‘We eild. never nj tbe magiticent and te diamond branoet. Not with small stones Big ones" T'was the plea we made in the of the beloved Daddy Mri ofthe Wiliam Mort [Agecy, our Boater, before Bill Oliver and be fore any Ticnd of Sir. Otber stage stare ed Jewels, tnd this sommed reasonable for ts—be- {nue in that way we sould relly gr ponession ft semahing we cold use for money. He never Thad peer ur cash. ‘We pot the bracelets. We sneaked newsrepers ‘We had a room and bah wo curses Bot 0 Wwe mere 23 years old and we had never ad & Bees 4 ‘Do red om several bls with hi and Elihand Sir guarded oy to clvely er comeratin, always thought Don tld me sik his song tad it brown ej tha e loved Si pat us inthe car and drove to the office fw lawyer-Marin J. Armold, who hep i yee squint at the bright Texas sumeine all the ‘le Sic'wae telling him wy me had come’ 10 eta his Services. “The girls have ct to fight thi” Sir seying: Wo wet ld wha he salt charge ‘har Bil was reported to hove adie frend. ‘hip with we and that we Boh loved him Tt ae ‘ven claimed hat we were jealous of each ober Mat denlte ur physi! ondtan we would {for weeks without speaking # word to each the. ‘We tried to speak, Again and again we tried ‘hen, T, Davy pulled up from my chair and ‘Viale balanced mey giving ne aller enti scemed, a I rased ny fice so all could bear. “There ie something very wrong! My. sister snd Uhave had only Dusinss flats with Bil ‘tiversever have been wh ee angueel tage: “Weve never been slne fn coe 28 joss” Tor the frst time th layer spoke. He lobed st Si bat hin words were tue! °A woman who ever sen the twin dar wo sy they hae sermprocised her babar?” "Sead hex complaint” Sic si “Leave alone" Me. Arvo sid in his deep dea “Close the door‘ you go int the ator or ‘protection, “Ye there any ‘rath in what Mm Over lame?” the Inwyer wed ins Kindly dra “Not a word!” we eid together. You are two fighoed pik la't something lag wrong? Do yu wat ttl me?” “We're pratcally slaves!” ounty "Then help us get fren” We produced the pute ples of ser from our shoes Tn ont fret moment or opportunity we had ieft our Facet at home. "Pease, Mr Arbol, plese ed un Wet afaid?™ ‘Gow of as i usually cantons; the other im ai j "ht day in the lw office of Matin J. Aro in Sin Antonio, Te we beth were tiliative. No one wil bellee oor sry” I, Vile, ually the cautious one, ventured to sy. *We've ‘en Iagel>—rch girls who mere rally papers, Th publi doesn Aenow allthis‘ if we tell age be might send oa iain ™ “Hm all forthe Wil” 1 Dany, declared. “Just lk to ee” sid the lawyer a his any eye "Wa pow th ri tht ll i “We're Siamese tise who wan t0 live and ie oie just a we were Bor. Nether en part tte on the edy or mind of the ober. We want {olive as other human beings live, when theyre ver 21, to work and eareyet Bait and Sit Scmpleiy deine Weve done ng bt ‘ork dering all ures” For 45 mines we talled oat our beate— {aked him to leave us: for ws to explain mby Mildred Otive, in het divoroe ent gain ox former advance nen, William, had ceed we were in love with her husband and asked that Be Ear $20.00 fr alleged cain ofSic left us selacarly and it tok only a see ond forthe storney toto aide Mis. Olivers ‘Bec cn Ten we id bin een car in our story om Bitty a0 Bet we heching “Wat became of all the money you've earned? ‘What about the ‘Beauful home you bare 00 Suouer, a prety browebaiced woman, had been faking down every word we sid ‘Mr Armald asked hor to come out and meet ‘hing we bad never done ouaeves- We hve never tot al. ihe bo money now, Mx. Aros but ively” from hie office, 0 ve made a plan ‘Wich would throw Sir off on ral (Ae soon he left ut atthe mosic teacher ord de he. car acid te ort, ne haved Mc. Arnolds secretary. Sir war to for'ts in an hou, he had sald Could she pick ‘op nd take fos tel balre that ina? Avtaxi soon pulled up to the cath. Lacle Shtaer wa in iy beckoning for to come at. ‘We std inthe ‘door « moment, locking in both iene, making sre that Si nat nat watching ‘Then we Kised the teacher and van out 0 be: il you Aro yucts—oder ay thing you ke” tid Ele “Telephone, you Hebi oee I en can efey youn” sm ike dam ding en ow dae vile"we ited for on tl vo begin For he 1, Viol, had always wanted to drink a cod rete. We tal 1, Daley, wanted smoke ai, kc ou esate eee aoe eee Soe eer oe ee ee ‘body Hotel in Memphi ee a ay ea ert Tawi baa eee eae ose tango Don “Daisy! Te hoped long that you woe Ione soy Fr i” be Qh Lm Yon Nelle i pec ereel Uo erets TA Labs Mes ro ots dee Wo ral to a him in and rl ran through Th atour fit dae “Then Den sod thee loking at me, Dany, sod forging tht Vi wee ih oor HS sees eon bts looking than bad enembsd His Gi oye gine andi th acd ite aie! hs Spanish comple. 1, Veet coal wet wll pel! be imme or my aster to experience her {int Ks ate ould be. FE del msgs sro ne from te ing oe etn wich fd Oe fr had of Ii slay made rn, 0 way earn eit eed ‘al toe Tn Sus may, Ser re ns Bed bern bar fre “lm ve pte Tho es 2 nn gay seat Dn rtm: han he ld oe‘ ama hoy Meron fret tat Dati hon gece ei iy Mp he Eire Ck dueling {he hat fd al Tid 1 ot at De wa ed an nt teeta a hi Ide Serer ey een eit 1, Violet, weed to say: “G fing for Dato Liv yout” “Siamese twinslaver! Poor ‘So went the story unfolded in the San Antonio fat “And everyday. we sat there, with Tod WLW. McCrory listening and shaking his 15) ead if in dsbledand with Edith eying ee hosband,Siry glared tur like hypeotcs ‘When Falih's mother ded ahr wlll ur to lh od ‘her hand, ud ta Ce rnd tht our own nthe, fighlened young rl in Brighton, Pngland, fave we to te id i signed or Hives {Sray—and the how ne had we wile to Eth tice haben, aang ih ker yosrtons ‘We waned feelomt—on acounng of money anda resveroppoited to manage out brevery. We waned the contacts broken whieh luced to sig making Sie ot Imanager compiling ower or hi for 8500 had nevr calesed, Mont fall from the inaence of Sir, who ast there gripping the arms of his chair Mr. Arwold new oar whole story by heart He new, too, th the only eppintss we hd ‘ver lon as dating the fey” days we ad ‘em his pete while he woe prepariag the ene for or tia. Te fad given us courage to rn ‘vay and ight for ur fread. ‘What had Sir done wit cur money? We cal: ‘ltd that we had earsed mare than $00,000, ‘When asked he looked at Atorney Arvold and said be had banked "Ye it wan family afi at in and corrpted i Sit retred ‘The courtroom vas fi Once I cased ny hand as if tit Dai, tou my wife imerooed Toe gre ad rushed a sme and had torn the shirt off my back beting tte about the body before my" wife could sop them The eowd applauded and cheered and for whole minutes the hammering of Todge Me lat of our manager those dimoadbrssien? Wee i! Our omey Showed tht while Sir chimed to hve Paid $700 of our moncy for them, actually nly ‘$4.00 fad ‘bon’ paid. Thin wau'brogh oo i teimony. ‘Where was our fortane? What bad really be. come of? “That bank do_ you do basines with?” At torgey Arnal asked “ST do't hoo” Sic answered aly, ‘The pucked courtroom reounded with boos, iat Atomey Arvid eked down a eeit {or $36,000, which we had eon indeced to sgn win guardianship proceedings were completed, ita mid to hove osm pad Uy bat we had fever recived even «dll of at sem from i for spending money “iat Hw fact thatthe twins signed the ee ccipt but never weted the money? toed ‘sea SE don't know. They were paid through Doohopes iNew York” Be “Dont you know ere tht $36,000 wen?” Arma premed “offered i 10 them andthe refoned to take it from me T wold ow ito the gute, Tipe” sid Gini ‘wece produced which called for 40 eck of appearances st $3,000» week. So many Yrofiuble eonraes, any wecks of tppene ecm We spd ar meron nay te ‘During my (Viole) ime on he wine and 1 tok at Sir ad aid “The iach we fiend were always eovered, except for the dnt ted line When wr butted tog Si wend ave a sak us if we thought he wan Wie and ite did tat im, and if we were afaide= 0 we ala signed Noone oul forget Edith as shed sat in the winest chat choking anf) crying so she ould barely tale Coking atthe fl she said ‘trough sabe “The fils dont seem tbe making any alowance for the ine T have spect wilh them, stanly caing for them and attending to their stent I hove spent the Hest pest of my Ife in heir interest —and_ now they” ignore me. Why, they dint even tend to card wile they been away from ws ‘When, Vile, was asked by Judge MeCrory io, we kaew nothing about gariasip pro tenting in 1907 Tie Attocey Atv ss Tin ging file prosedng to have he fn xeput of ardanshp preceding, st wie on (ound of aeolateFaudl™ ae iy ert Sinan eked a Sighly Dy "wld to England or Photagrapers and rear men and reporters Seeder are eat “WaT finds mate” Hariog learned to smokey Thad then ia ny Ian. Before 1 could srke the match, Lace ered: “Dow I sell gas, The place is file wilh gas ne might al be killed” ‘We ran out into the hall and she called the superintendent. He came ih» flshligh and then we learned hat te jes of the Iicben stove tree turned on full for The covery was ary {peeing to both of ws ‘By the time we reached. the hotel agai, the crow seered off our tall—tha i, the stu ‘lowd wan off, but there was reporter waiting {nthe labby who ran up tow as soon as we om tered Te, Been tying find yous” be sid breath leaky "Te jar gat ward From my alice th Your livesre in danger. Ap came tothe iy Cter—evmevon called and 0d, “The Staanes ‘vin may be Killed tonight" "This information scared us no Lite and set ue ‘Miking, But we were sute that 30 llr bow ‘many eowmie we might have made, one of ‘hem would want to go to the extreme of kiling "Finally we dismissed the reporter's story from our minds, We seribed it to romeone's fertile ‘Aitorney Arnold with him were five painlotesmen whe Kept Sanstant guard of ov site unl Judge MeCory's Je Freeman, one ofthe leading basins men in ‘Tens, whe formerly bad sat on the New Tork Stock Exchange, was amed a our roove Judge McCrory locked att then out over the wating crowd and said something we were metals eal Depa thoy to ae exges until Jack Kearns took bold of bis and (Sloped hit ilo t world cmnpicn, The ik tent would not be where they ae today ha this defendant not managed their affem and Drove a good promoter” Bt wr bad’ never Torged for fame. We did ‘ot want promotion and management. We only WrantedTierty, freedom to live swe. wasted Te'ive—to le as other gile our age ved. The Tucge ordered Sir never to interfere with cour Tves agin, We wete given $67,000 in beads, £12,000 in cash an $20,000 i personal effec. Sir was to longer oer guardian and manager: contrasts exiting betweon him and’ ws wore | sc0Me row “exam Fon tee dlisolved! Of allthis our freedom was the most Important and’ that put of the out decison srhich uve hat freedom in our ™ goad eens Sco eet eect ie sees up ake oar Inds andy “Ble yout” ieee ice ‘we had lived for so many years. ue eer Seas eee {Ween ur Door, tnd su bese friends to a dioaer and musical. Don Calvan ‘brought his celebrated gute, He won everybody wth his sngg We drank wine and snaked. Two young men edt to dance, The “dona” of on ei “ace” now, and we reveled i 1 seemed a tough we had been tampered fimo mother werd, We Inked forward e's fe ttre promising vel bappis 1 wat pot lang before Don hed me, Dai to mary him even ote shed we he ook {hegre From my andy puched” my" wine tle sie, Even he would sppres we! “Masry me, Davy, and forget out show busines” Cane 16 Besa ani tve wih my ail”Give up my litle pet habia! Give up show ‘Wherever 1 went, Vile, my twin, must go. ‘he mun hate ny lle, Should she be subjected ach retrain? ‘Mier all, we have jus, succeeded in geting bet both of tan Ta uhich would be Jha bere the trial war pen Dan elled one (ght and there war new sriouneas abst ine Yul sum be free sf Sip," he tld, “then we she dT aim, fh ‘We stepped back « line. I, Daisy felt my ster sums Bat T thought that ‘be could very Silat her coment to marry me, Yet— I wow Sed if she should oot be tonsled, since abe hare every moment of my life wit my hen ‘Really confronted with thin odd situation, fran vety different from what had imagined. ld ether of us marry? Could any man ast imal o our liver? ‘hon had conducted himself wll, but now there er lg of areata his atk eyes, “Doran thought the et? Vik, my ve thought i out, Das” Don sad “Tim are Team make allowance fr Volt” His voice Scoot, ay 90 oo And WT afould gt marred thon, naturally, you most ead si ahonthe with her and her hisband. "We were tat prepared fr such an arange- sen and fors few minster we weve alent. Then, Daley. poke: "Don, 1 bso tT would ot like -epaation from the man T martied. And I would her want to be separated from my twin. 1 ‘ould bear to be separated from ether of you. ‘Sddeniy val hogan to Inagh ‘The wat what 1 ft ike to be happy. And foe dhe next few hours we tire hogan making all Gade of plane-in ll of which Vile shared nihil. "Yt in this, my moat geefl moment, Ds reained that my sister loved. in afferent way From me. She led Blue Stel, who belonged te smeone ele. Yet, she seemed happy to go o8 ing content jt to hea his wise oer the phone thd over the ad. 2 "Love was thing that belonged 10 er—aot scaly meats she seat vin ht wl “Ter, lone meant leting ox And here i & waeove code, perbap, thowgh ce which ver ‘oa be i ‘Marriage, wih is legendary Jove and romance, became ou tot serous thought Dept the fet Shat've te Siamese twin, we tered fo ack sent eon ars wee earned the itable peace of ied person However, fevwere dhcoareged in thi ardor, Some schemed ‘rapt ale tone of tr sloneorer thr tle Tine! The shyer men wrote and wired Days wore becrese Wisk ail carried store for Blue Ste, the musician, and listened Say a ond Vilt knw Driny wns worrying about me, 1 fei hopeless about Bine Se [ted te forget him. Apd, to my great re lie and Daly's Ig crh on Havry san, tandsone Eagioh welerweight champion lary dimmed my torch for Blac alkough he id bot pte pat oat One thing—he bad ‘hiections to my being + Siamese twin, Tn foc, fe"Tiked Daisy’ Bat she war interned in Don Galvan the guia “Yel, Day, liked Don very well. The wouble swan be tad tty f we mario wed all have or But I maset the enea gil on Viele and ary’ dite very long. Jack Laws, the dar ‘aired band leader, entered my life—and Tal rst forgot Den- Also, be brought brown eyed Maurice Lambert, apotber band leader, to meet Viele We hada gay fourtome, and it wash long before Violet Brake her engagement with ring. chimp and began wearing Maurice’ in. mond. Here, cfer_o wile, | pelea smany sf my conversions with Jock took pace ‘ver the phone And ben he ae me over the sire tommy him, 1 Knew that hi sees made im asus forthe hunband of Siamese in. eae ‘And when I did beak my engagement to Jack, Maurie Beeame pee. Fearful that Viele would tow him over be rated to iy Hall, New York, to ges marriage Hoa ‘tia? Vou want to Maurice was ct be disour for mariage Wace 2 seal rela hin Tor the tame resem “con Tulle pley onthe rou f moray and ecney® Poor Violet : Indeed, 1, Viet, folk dieing of mal i fae ated sat rs ua Wee tn sce of bh ade et Smee ee ifn ay enon wy ld he pk ‘marriage, the natural desire of ‘crery women viet what pleas i game sv ered meting walt Can Be (comed af dat times “iy the emp of wr fe age, We wet 1 les and tw whe tre a cet faa ee We ln sownk amine eelching New York's Central Park, and entertained. We had cntagnrund box, Soe ev come Pee, We aw many en of vate tp We fled them over ying to weigh the Moction Can we be happy with then? Thee wa no Ear a On dy tera at oper pay we asad EE eee Sate bo wek we eee eee Phone, did ballet and adagio dancing an a sketches. oe peas presireee aie io Steels ‘Terry Turner, our aoe press agent, jovi ncame Uisnany ame fae wh Salen i Secs area Fe ret suet at te Sree eee za ight! But fT get a Heese, will you {through with the ceremony?" Terry calenged "TH be the goats if you can manage” re lid Terry's Irish yes fastened inteatly on my Sagi purer, Jes Wales Meare is i Hell mean more publicity for set Ayo gine, naked Forge” Jim smiled good-aturedly and shruger hia wile ot one of we had any idea that Tey could eras bide oe lie, nd more was said ‘bout it for several day Then began happen. They bopun this wpa net satouncemeat that 1, Violet, would eto te a eeey vw ese treat Coton Boron he SOyart Toe Baby Sits ar eer ae at ea famosas dared OE Miia cy ea hy Sree wa cae Pesta earls 0a ee eee An, 29 mine a, he reed He age tea Tera ce os ae Soy ngs om Madd es ant alee “1 5" Joe id han. ngumeat withthe bartender. Tues youll Jost have to give the bride ay youbell Pu} sy youre, Te med Ba oto ae, oe Irom. Hie wats jie of th’ Conon’ Bo, the’ Coton Ba The janitor appeared. shortly afterward, at sat sppearing move ign. Cmerat kod Iwo ae Tory ha ie ali a fr ise’ cpeilly Daisy, “the era ‘Ad puried us tothe. ery door of oar odding ty ere Terry Turner and Tim's ‘retheart and ober members of our teupe Mee ‘iting Jin ws int laugh and s met a ‘lbration of palicty sunt which wos frat pags fom eco en,Wo have never gone through the formalin of e divers, bat Tiny inthe service nowy kx ‘hat wen he wants the thes, ade only in foe of public, broken be wil ave ou ful coeperation ‘As Tory figured, the stunt paid off, We went to Hollywood and made several im Life marched oa sil then for us for about five years~untilT, Daisy, fll in love wih the “Yew I Violet, was stared. Bat i pot are with my sinter aboot er che. We had never {rgd fle ho that hor mariage with Body ‘roel ot be right thug she hed mt weighed Tree wal Buddy wes plsttot to me, and Be wat ost {cen when we all ant davn to ak over oar feta fife get. ‘The mariage tok place a fe days Iter on Sept 17, 198h in Eira N'Y.A crond ptr: ta depo effortst toi pci: And ll that might and through everynight and day for the fling ten days we were pursued ‘red where Buddy ‘ad been wien we Akrowsd between the incessant phone ele fom ‘poner, Body had dappearl. 1, the bride, who had ot yet known hooey. tment tele tat Buddy would cs bide’ For'» while T wailed for him atbough Knew he wool not retrn. When 1 Bpan doce reeedings some tine Tater, T readin 4 new Paper he oason for loving toe “Dai i lovely gi” be was quoted as saying "Bat {gars | mnt the ype of flow that should marry 8 ‘Samese tin, Aen aur of fact Han ot even what you woud al realy trerariows. In the show horinese there are times Ine you ge tired of seing anybody lt alone tein bree ‘The std thing about love is you get aver it, However, i tak long, weary’ mn before L faced the fac that that war true And at both ‘oe marriages were without anchorage. "We had to frm our thought agin from emo- sion and tisk of the only thing we ever really were masters of—work. "We ba lived a varity of ven vically a» vsones and at re playics. We both hed bon ‘arried unsuccessfully So, romance had palled. ‘We bad known freedom, had celebrated ty ard he ha le iy ‘Wark lone never ad failed us, And i int eee ‘thang Gnd ilo soap ‘eae Boting a Dos Mts Csi?” We Lay ted befor ong ih he tue rcea ere tgs aegis Gra Wo waded no tne a euretng Do Duis wie ee cies epetetn bm mil thigh ab wel We bd ed ad ‘al pec le Sere tert ng dab pire” And from Of een mh fav Te eyed a Tet Oa Fd el roe wl qui oom oon hres tad forges. We ies of Ler bnece cod fener (Dros Saige ees Seep niet rea Spetars you br Shs wry hs eens sory tht ea gc ny of pret et we tire ifn eel tow of hens And soneeere aly wo ser sod tope we val fin igh sat nme ending Sad Ppp aon MOTIOM PICTURE STORY CHAINED POR LIFE Ne ROBERT De SEVILLE From @ Story by ROSS FRISCO in fact, at every rehearsal even, ‘Ted Hinkley, manager and cicerone of the Siamese Twins, always sat in the fourth fow, of the theatre they happened to be playing. He always wore groy double. breasted suit, with a camation in the lapel, and he always chemped on an unlit hhe sat there, in the same fourth row unnoticed in the welter of humanity that urged around him.Leaning back against the upholstered seat, his soft hands folded across his Paunch, no one would have suspected curious and imaginative soul encased ia all that tard. No one would have dreamt he could possibly be an instrument of fate, Yet he was, ‘As the soul impresario of the Hamilton Sisters, he built all their successes out of his owa brain, and out of his own spectacular approach to life. Uneware of a0. doing, he was a weaver of destinies, a promoter of achievements - and sometimes ‘an arranger of calanities. Had anyone confronted him with these facts, he would hhave Laughed raucously, for he never dramatized himeclf. On the contrary, It was his pride that he thought himself to be intensely practical, end his unvaryings “Leave it to Hinkley,"” and index to that pride. Everything about him was soft — his portly, paunchy figure; his mild blue eyes; his soft, moist hands — except a stecl-trep mind forever in conflict with a rath generous and sentimental heart. ‘Ted Hinkley had lived a full fife, but now in the decline of his years, he had nly two res! passions — money and "the girls,” as he called them. IC he ever had stopped to think about it, he would surely have tried to convince himself that he loved Dorothy aad Vivien Hemilton the best. However, in Ted, the two passions hed merged, blended and beceme transmuted into a ‘way of life,* 0 thet whatever successes he promoted for the Siamese ‘Twins, he tried to bring them about with the least possible concessions at the highest possible price. The result was an unending war with theatre managers — one the less deailly because it was carried on in atmosphere of easy followship= who on their part, know every trick of the trade, ‘The sums of money Ted Hinkley checked at the theatre box office every Satur day, were as thrilling to him, as the sum total of the artistry the Homilion Sisters, Siamese Twins, had displayed throughout the week oa the boards of the local theatre. Their success was his success. Thoir achievement, the child of his heart ‘and brain. And their eamings, something he created for them, much a2 a fond father, who only keeps a minor part, preferring to indulge his beloved children. He was a cheerful man — a happy man. For he loved the color ead tinacl of back. stage; the flavor of greasepaint; the glaring lights. And somehow he identified himself with the achievement represented by the girls themselves, so that, when. speaking of thom, he would always refer to them in full es, “the Hamilton Sisters, hesatiners!"" He had only one fear ~ the frightful spector of losing them ae he had lost many years previously, two boys, also Siamese Twins, one of them hed died, and the ‘other had only survived a few days, the imperative operation. But ordinarily such gloomy considerations were farthest from his mind, He liked best fo let his thoughts dwell untrammelled on the factors that go into the making of a very successful act, on the elements that might be combined to prodace a bos office hit. And, a8 with all art forms, he knew that publicity had much to do with the shaping of the final achievements, ‘The links in the chain of destiny, which was to Lead to the Hamilton Sisters ‘greatest succets, and Hinkley himself toa planacle of publicity beyond his dreams, began to be forged one quiet summer moming in June, at a large sun-dezzied Calle fomia city on the sea, ‘Ted had puzzied and worried over the slow, insidious decline of the Hamifton Sisterst act, Box office receipts were growing smaller, something of the zest and excitement had definitely dulled, And his dreams of at least teaching big time = goal of all show poople — had dulled too, receding into that shadowland of the entertainment world where so many headliners are consigned. He perspired gently, as he walked leisuredly towards the Bijou Theatre, mull ing over and over in his mind, the idea that had finally emerged trom the involved recesses of his brain. “Would that lousy manager Mackenzie, see it's velue? . = Would that pimping sharpshooter, Andre, go for it? .. » Would the giris agree!” When Ted arrived at the Bijou and walked down the dark aisle to the fourth row, the Hamilton Sisters were already rehearsing on the stage. He sidied quietly over to where the manager, Mackenzie was sitting, took out a clyer and vat dows site cut @ word, champing on the unlit cigar, which he relied from one commer af tia ‘mouth to the other, Mackenzie said nothing. Dorothy and Vivien were swaying gracefully, now and then execsting an in- {ticate stop in time, as they sang their new song, “Every Hour.’ As always, the were putting heart and soul into the number, despite the fact that this was ouly fchearsal. He noted the filmy dresses they wore weering, and wrineced or he thought of Mable, the gists! personal maid, with whom hecartiedon a qood-atarcad running battle, His experienced eye noted the backstage cartain wae wp, revealing the usual disarray of theatrical flats and props, the sprinkling of performers wait ing for their turn; he was thinking only superficially, with the top of his ied, while his real concem was the idea he had conceived and which revolvedover ead over within him, He heard soft footsteps on the aisle carpet, and turning his head saw Andre Pariseau had arrived, and at the same time he estimated the house capacity with a practised eye, He had made his decision, At that moment, @ somewhat unsuccessful vaudevillian was sitting behind him fend Mackensie in the person of Andre; heart-hungry girl on the store, ainelog a banal and slightly suggestive ballad, was thinking ta herself as the smiled, “How false; « how unreal! Where docs all this get us?” And the manager of the Bijoe was thinking, “They're good, but what the hell, we've ted everything: atoe still can’t pack "em in! Wonder how it feels to never know what It Le to by clones And a girl, Renee, who served as shooting target for a man the loved ussinst fer will, knowing him to be what he really was, was crying ine cheap hotel seven ‘As Dorothy and Vivien reached the end of their routine, their pave, clear volces lifted higher and higher, soaring faulticesly over the stage. Hinkley could not hele Dbut smile, and he tumed towards Mackenzie to comment, Mackeneie wes smiling too, momentarily forgetting himself, He saw Hinkley"s eyes on him and instentin, the ‘smile was replaced by a slight frown, He knew Hinkley. As the acton the otace ‘came to an end, Andre rose behind them, applauding noisly, as he shouted, "Brave +... Bravisimo!” He walked nonchalantly towards the stag and went up the steos where the gisls were standing, *Greatl Ain't i Mackenzie>" Hinkley asked in his soft voice, as he shifted the ‘ehuar to the other comer of his mouth. Mackenzie nodded reluctantly, “Wells it's “a good routine Ted." He watched Andre Pariseau start a conceited pose, arching his chest, o2 he Feached the Hanilton Sisters on the stage, He gave no indication of how glossed he felt inside at the girls’ routine, “'Good routine!” Hinkley exploded {a mock indignation. “Why, with that act and Some smart publicity, your theatre won't have enough seats to hold the audience! “Look, Ted,’” Waickenzie said patiently, know you're alter a percentage deal, but all you're offering me in exchange, is conversation. Ae for the publics = there isn'ta trick we haven't tried before! ‘Except one, Mack . . . except one!” Hinkley smiled, rubbing his soft hands, fecling Mackenzie's interested stare. He too gazed at the stage where andre wad how changed his pose, and gazed at him coldly, dispassionstely, mech ve wane ert studies a horse, taking in the man’s broad shoulders and flat belly, the almaet lassie profile and dark, wavy hair. And he nodded to himself in a mixture of pera doxical satisfaction and distaste, “You were saying... . “Mackenzie prompted. “What's this new angle wo ain't ttied before?" Hinkley removed the dead cigar from his mouth, and tumed to Mackenzie grinne Ing, ‘Ul tell you in the office. That's why I sent for Andre: ‘They walked down the aisle and up the few shart steps to the stage, as tho (pfehostra blared dincords from the pit, getting ready for another act. Andre wee ewming ~ his brilliant smile flashed under the lights, despite the frown ef raneance on Vivian's face. Hinkley paused to get his breath and also to get the drift of the conversation, He wondered if Andre had ulterior motives, but it fitted in with hhis plans, Mackenzie paused too, as Andre wes seying, “Each time 1 see you Girls, you're more wonderful. Ite anbelievat ‘Bach time 1 see you, I can't beliove it either! After the riot in Memphis, when your mental act backfired, really thought you'd given up you eh, career! Vivian replied tartly. She nudged Dorothy aad started to leave the stage, but Dor thy put her am around her sister's waist and held her ground, smiling at Andre, ‘who. Said nonchalantly, ‘Oh, that! Just a mental Lapse!” He grinned unabashed. Hinkley feli he'd heard enough. “Come on, Andre, come into the office,” he id a little more loudly than necessary, and together with Mackenzie, he walked ‘sway in the direction of the theatre's office. He could hear Andre's resonant voice eying to the girls in Ttalian, «Sono como in angelo del cielo! The rest was lost in the noise of flats and propa being moved. Hinkley followed Mackensie down the musty aisle, carefully avoiding the busy stagehands, struggling with scenery and various prope, and into an even musticr office deccrated with faded posters of buxom Indy acrobats in pink tights, and curling photographs of forgotten troupers, He waited until Mack sat down behind the battered desk, and sonk into a chair next 19 it, He had the fecling he wae about to launch something big — bigger then anything he had attempted before. But long acquaintance mith theatre manegers had taught him the virtue of not seeming too eager, so now he crossed his hands acrose Ais ‘ample paunch, and gazed boredly at the buxom beauties on the walls while Mack fenzie fished in a desk drawer and brought out a bottle of whiskey and two clouded asses, Mackenzie poured carefully, measuring out exact amounts in each glass, 4 half inch from the rim, and handed one to Hinkley. "To old acquaintance!” He exclaimed, lifting hi ‘and a2 Hinkley nodded, he drank it at one gulp. Hinkley followed suit and grimaced as he wiped hie lips With the back of hand. ‘A belch from the whiskey, broke the silence, and Mack shifted in his swivel halt. He tied to Took as uninterested as he could, but his words betrayed him. ‘Well, Ted, get it off your chest!” What's this iden you got now? Mind you, no fage unless you put an SRO sign oa the box office!” He wanted to make that But Hinkley only smiled. He wasn’t in a hurry at all. He was rolling the idea in his mind with gusto, savoring it to the fall, Let him wait, he thoughts And then f perverse thought struck him. “No hurry .. . maybe PL! save for our next engage- ‘ment, Meck. You ain't got too big a house anyway", Mackoazie cleared hie throat nervously. It must be goed he thought, Never knew ‘Ted to keep « publicity idea to himself. He brought out the whiskey bottle again land poured himself a glass then motioned towards Hinkley, reluctantly. But the latter shook his head. “Never drink even one during the day, he grinned covering the glass with his hand. But today was sort of a special occasion,” He waited until Mackenzie had downed his, then he sprang his tap with all the cunning the years hed tought him. ‘we been friends for a long time, Mack, so I thought I'd let you in on some- thing Solid. Like T said, Iv pack the house ight alter night . - sell pat the Bijouon the map. You see,"*he fand tapped his glass meditatively, people only interested in fundamentals — ike love for instance — that's what makes & Love story sure-fire! You lie'ning? Mackenzie was listening all right. Another belch broke the momentary stillness fas he nodded, “So, suppose one of the girls was to have a big romance? Fall in love and de- clde to'get married, like anybody elve? Can't you see the headlines? Siamese Twin anounced forthcoming martioge! Figure it out, Mack!” He leaned back and waited {or the full import of what he'd said to seep in. Mackenzie's blue eyes had a glasty stare, He shook hie head and his mouth ‘opened, but no words came. Finally he gulped and exclaimed, "Holy Mother, sre you serious?” Then, But... how about the gisls? Will they go for it? Hinkley was enjoying himself. “I'm thelr manager ~ just leave it to Hinkley. Before ke could add anything else, the door opened and Andre Pariseau stepped in, he glanced quickly from one face to the other, and deciding Mackenzie was the ‘more important of the two, walked wp to the desk in long, springy strides end grinned at the manager, “Say, Mack,” he began in his usual self-assured, cocky manner, “I happen to bbe a littc short, and since I've been engaged, I'd like to» how about as. ‘But Mackenzie cut him short brusquely. “Sorry, Andre, You kaow our rales — no advances!” Then added contomptuously, ‘Besides I dida?t send for you! ‘Andre's face underwent an instant transformation, a he inquired, “Then, who in hell dig?” ‘Mel Hinkley tapped his chest with a pudgy forefinger, as he gave Andre @ fishy Took. “Ak, then you can lend me a hundred tilt scowl Had melted into an ingratiating smile, agent. “How bad to you need it,” Hinkley asled silly. ‘Bad enough to ask you!” Hinkley Leisuredly extracted a thick roll of bills from his pocket. “I"mnot gonna tend it to you... This time, you're gonna work for it. In fact, an extra hundred every week, Andre!” He counted five twenty-dollar bills, and stalingly waved them’ under’Andre's noes, [At sight of the money Andre tensed slightly. ‘What's the pitch,”” He asked curlously. ‘Romance! Hinkley eaid softly. “Right up your alley. I've dreamed up alittle publicity stunt for the girls ~ Teed someone to play Romeo! “Ror a hundred a week?” Andre's eyes widened. and in advance!” With a smile that Macchiavelli would have envied, Andre extracted the bill ‘rom Hinkley’s finger and pocketed them. He laughed. “Bring on Juliet two When Dorothy and Vivien had showered and powdered after the hot, swoaty re hhearsal at the Bijou, they sat on the fuchsia-colored bench before their dressings table. Dorothy's amber-colored hair drawn up high and glistening, from the nape of hher neck, contrasted with the silver-and-green negligee she wore. Vivian as lusual was deaped in white satin, over which a cascade of dark ringlets fell in a soft cloud. While she made up, Dorothy Jet her mind dwell on how Andre had looked at her, how he had smiled, nd what he had said in alien ~ something about angel that moming on the stage. It seemed to her it had been going on for a long time, every time they were on the same bill. Ske could not remember everything, But his flashing, gay smile, and the meaning in his oye was etched in her mind, snd it gave her a feeling. d Relaxed and languid fron! the warm bath, she could fe of her thighs pressing together under the silk. Her eyes were brilliant, and uncon sclously, she was smiting, her small white teeth biting her lower lip. She wondered If Andre wes as powerful as he looked. Vivian glanced at her in the mirror, with slight surprise, then she smiled too. “Darling, ‘you look... radiant! What Dorothy colored and veiled her eyes. ‘Nothing, silly?” She started applying Lipstick, as her sister gazed at her dubiously. It occured to Vivian, that there was, 89 much about her sister Dorothy she would never know. ‘They were as one in so Many respects. They knew a completion, en identification scarcely dreamed of by the majority of human beings — und that wes their greatest compensation ~ that se of completion. But there were times, when another Dorothy whom Vivien was Hover fo know, seemed to peer through her eyes, and smile through her lips ‘At that moment they hesrd the sharp voice of thelr personal maid, Mabel, say= ay-day, can’t you, Hinkey?” The he stepped close to the Managering sarcastically: “That door ain’t got no usher, and you got hands, so knock be fore you come in! There's such a thing a privacy!” ‘And Hinkley"s soft voice replying derisively, “From burlesque to privacy! That body beautiful of yours has been reflected from too many front row bald heads! All of a sudden 109 Mabel, the modest maiden! “During my career,” they could hear Mabel saying indignantly, “burlesque was fan art! My act hed eignity!™ "Dignity! One more bump, and you would've be where’re. the girla?”" In there!” Then Mabel’s voice rose higher, “Hey, girls, the ten percenter's hore!"™ outside the theatre! . . ighed. ‘They're at it again. We'd better go on out there..." They rose and wont out into the small living-room connected with their dressing-room, & concession due them as headliners, As they emerged into the outer rooms Mabel ‘was, pointing to Hinkley’s cigas “Look, this ain't the wide open spaces, and that’s no lily of the vatley. Why don't you smoke a good clean” tunAiter today, Mabel SS"Atter today!" Hinkley answered unrufted, puting luxuriouely. “What's it all about?"” Vivian asked, looking first at Mabel and then at Hinkley. Vivian, with the dark ringlets falling over the setin dressing-gown, and the foce like @ cameo. Then she looked at Hinkley and saw the triumph written over his face, Dorothy Lifted her eyebrows. ‘Girle,”” Hinkley blurted with suppressed excitement, from now on it's minie ‘and Cadillacs! Just like { told you, leave it to Hinkley! “ “ho else would do it?”” Hinkley toning gesture. “Wet, count me out voice. “*What about his human target, won't she abject? “You mean... Renee? She's got nothing to say about it. She has no claims!”” Dorothy raised her head and smiled at Hinkley, I guess from here on, my love ‘story begins!”” Whether from her ovn surging blood, the excitement or all the roman= lic dreams which had awakened in the innermost recesses of her being, she would fever know, but the fact was her voice was tremailogs, ecstatic. almost, with # Tynleal quality watch made Vivian turn her golden head 0 stare at her sister, Hinkley sighed this time with relief and elation. It had been strenuous morn- ing. He mopped his forehead and clamped the dead cigar between his tooth, then sald grinning, “Baby, Leave it to Hinkley!”” He waved at the gicte and{oft, walking 4s briskly os his pudgy (eure permitted. ‘Sure, you Just Teave it to Hinkley!” Mabel murmured ax sho glared at his re- treating figure, **So if things blow up, I can always go back to Minsky? s!”” Dorothy and Vivian smiled quietly at each other. It was Mabel’ unch: frain whenever anything annoyed her, forgetting she was long past the she had anything to offer Minsky*s patrons. She babied them, was fi tnd took all manner of liberties, but the girls loved her, And aa the years went by, Mabel had become a permanent fixture in their lives, with all her jealousies against Winkley, her domineering attitude, which really hid hor deep, protective instinct. ‘The gitls knew Mabel loved them, and that in its self was enough. Left alone the girls retuned to their deessing-room and dressed for the after oon, Ae a rule, they chattored a great deal, exchanging the eternal backstage ousip, and commenting on new numbers on the bill, But today they seid litt Inmersed in their own thoughts, much as travellers venturing into unknown territory take refuge in silene: a \e world,” Vivian protested, “Why did you have to id mildly, spe‘Their faces mirrored in the large glass over their dressing teble, were pensive = faces that were so similar, and yet, 0 unlike ~ and somewhat troubled. ‘They had hed many experiences in publicity before — some with happy ending, ‘and some touched by the sordid and the tragic. They had long since lesmedhow to innure themscives to the careless, unthinking cruelty of thelr public ~ just as they. hhad learned how fo achiove en identification with cach other, which was thelr ox tension of being. They had knowa pain, and grief ~ even despair. But thels courage fnd_an infinite faith in thet Kingdom which is aot of this world. But there was another Kingdom where they spent the major part of their lives, and that was the theatre. And there, Ted Hinkley was the arbiter ‘They wondered in the simplicity of their limpid minds, whether Hinkley*s pub- Ucity stunt would succeed. in the end, it was to succeed beyond their greatest ex pectations Already Ted Hinkley was boginning to set in motion a hurricane of publicity bee yond even his gifted imagination. ‘That night Pariseau called Dorothy on the phone to tell her how happy he w over the publicity arrangements. Only he made it sound like it was something more than just a stunt. He spoke close to the phone so she could heer the cello under: tones of his rich baritone, and the soughing of his tresth when he laughed. Dosw: thy felt this was a new experience, and for the first time in her lie, became unt ware of her sister next to her. Yes, she would indeed, she would love to, The Fireside Cafe would be wonder: fal, they had such heavenly music. Yes, she would be ready hen she tumed after replacing the receiver, she saw Vivien was st “That «that wae Andro... Mr. Pariseau, He wants me ner_with fim after the show tomorrow.” ‘Vivian nodded, pazing at her sister curiously, unt “emhattre: you staring at? Anything wrong with thet)” “No, nothing wrong!” Vivian seid quietly, ‘Afler all, wo've got to make the publicity convincing — we must be seen in public together. 7 “That's right!” Vivian replied oven more quietly. ‘There was a feeling of tension between them, unspoken, intangibte, and yet one the less real. Tt was the first time they had failed in understanding, and felt as distant, as most human beings are from each other. ‘That night as they lay in bed, with the large neon sign across the street cast {ng blue gleams through the open window of their suite, they lay awake, pretending ich other that they were asleep. Vivian had a nameless feeling of forbodding she could not quite understend, ‘The idea of a man like Andre Pariseau entering thelr lives, even for a publicity Stunt, somehow revolted her. And Dorothy was acting strangely. No one knew better than she just how impressionable Dorothy could be, She shuddered. "You're @ fool, ‘Vivian,"*'she told herself, and tried to banish from her mind the unwelcome thoushees But.the recollection of what Hinkley had told them later that afternoon, that Pars sea would have to be paid a hundred dollars a week for his role, came into her ‘mind, Ifthe papers found it out! Wasn't Ted walking into his own trap? A man Uke Pariseau would stop at nothing ~ not even bleckmail! But Dorothy on her own side of the bed waa thinking far different thoughts. The biue glow from the neon sign penetrating through the open belcony window seemed Uunearthly magic. She heard the sweet wailing of tho muste rising from Younge below, and the flurries of laughter and distant voices as if she had entered an enchanted world. She felt as detached as If she were someone ol = that someone else of her secret thoughts — and through it ally, she could hew Andre's deep, rich voice, whispering to her, as she relived over end aver the tele ephone conversation. Lying there on her back, her body relexed and cool, feeling the caress of the sheets on her aude bady, she let her hand slide over her bree! down her moulded belly and thighs. She closed her eyes, but sleep was fer away Sho thought of their childhood in Texas, in the long somaolent aftemoons in Sas ing at ho us to have din Dorothy colored and asked, Antonio, and remembered Fiesta time, when the magnolias riotous with white blose soms, raised white, waxy cups against « blue sky. She saw tho blue dusk setting over the Alamo, and the young couples walking and laughing towards the Placa i the springtime. He saw the girls and boys again, walking arm and arm, their faces lowing with a kind of excitement she had never knows She sighed softly and smiled in the warm darkness, bul ler eyes were wet. There hhad been so much to lear, dear God, and s0 much ove hed to somomber te food She felt Vivian's em Slide under her neck, then the oft touch of Viviaa's other hand brushing her cheek, and she tumed impulsively and Kissed her sister, Without knowing why. Below, in the garish cocktall lounge of their hotel, high soprano voice cone Lnued to wail of unrequitted love, while men and women who used that wont to cover @ multitude of sins, played their litte games for the night. THREE When Dorothy and Vivian left their dressing-room the following night after the ast performance, and waiked to the stage, the house was empty; the srcheste eit dark end forlom, yawned below in the wemicdarknees, But the stage itself wer filled with people. There were several men with cemerss, and Hinkley was waiting for them in a new grey suit, painfully groomed, Mabel was standing by his side, dressed in her best black satin dress. And, leaning against a flat which had book tft on stage, on which satyre and nymphs frolicked in a mythological forest, Andre Pariseau was talking nonchalantly to reporters, ‘The moment they stepped on the stage, bediam broke loose. They found them solves surrounded by reporters and photographers all talking at once: Andre took Dorothy's hand in his own possessively, and Hinkley. was’ striving’ to be heard above the babel of voices. Finally, some semblance of order wes achieved, and they were posed against a partof the Grecian garden ~ the part without the yun land satyrs. Andre, looking very handsome and romantic, drew Dorotty's ana trees hhis own, end smiied down at her in a perfect imitation of tendernes ‘One of the photographers from a leading daily, sighted through his camera shouted, “1A ttle more to the left, Miss Hamilton « . - and ra trifle, just a trifle!” The bulb exploded in a burst of light. Another photowrepher mimicking the first, said, ‘Just a trifle! Hell, what wo went ia great bie toile You're very happy,’ aren't you. Miss Dorothy?" Dorothy's smile seemed to ‘halter in the corruscations of light ae the bulb flashed. A member of one of the acts on the same bill, wandered on stage, hie shist-tail cut, buckling hie belt, ve ‘he inquired, “What's going on here? What's this all this abou” Hinkley managed to grab him and motion for him to get back. “They're taking pitchors, can't you see" Dorothy"s engaged to Parisea . . they're getting nat Hed!” The fat performer's mouth opened and his Jaw hung slack. ‘The bulls Lept Popping as more and more pictures. were taken. A lady reporter ange te aera ‘multitude of questions, without bothering to listen to the answers, meet of winiek she had already resolved for her columa. They were almost finished wien wan came hurtling up the steps out of breath and slightly dishevelied. He had nent gaging grin as:ho blurted, “I'm from the Times «.. Am late? That darned fine Just when I wanted to. .: “All the while he was trying to recover his brosth aad ‘adjust the camera he was carrying at the same time. Finally he was ready, sighted fand motioned for Andre to move nearer to Dorothy. Ready?" Now, kiss your flancee, Mr. Periseau. .. As Andre leaned over and kissed Dorothy, the photographer shouted, “Still! fand again the brilliance of « flashing bulb bathed the stage in its ghastly sieve, Atvor that, the reporters had thelr field day. The girls looked bewildered, pite their being used to newspapemen and their ways. ‘The stage viberated with excitement, and the word love was bandied about us it it were « Somaodite Mabel could stand it no loager. “People talk too much!” Sho ghered at ‘The pitts" retired. How long are they gonna stand there and be poy che 6 your chin — a“sow should I know2"" Hinkley shrugged eloquently. ‘jell, if you don't, I do!” And with that, she resolutely barged into the eneir- ling representatives of the fourth slate an if she were scattering tenvpins. She took Vivian's arm and began to steer the girls to their dressing room. The reporters followed asking questions, wheedling, cajoling, until they got to their dressing- room, where Mabel calmly closed the door in their faces. Slowly, they begen to Gisperse, But ono bright youngster wasn't quite through. Deliberately he banged on the door until Mebel, her nerves taught, was forced to open it. Before the reporter could say a word, Mabel said in a voice like a knife, “‘Lissen punk, you got your pint of blood. Now scram — end I'mean scram, before I give yaa bath with the foilet water, and it ain't perfumed!” Her eyes blazed. She looked about ready to rend with tooth and clew. The young reporter retreated grinaing. He flung at her from a safe distance, "You wore @ strip-tease queen, weren't you?’ ‘One more crack and I'll stip you. « - louse!”* She closed the door with s bang. ‘The next moming Hinkley barged into their suite in such high spirits that even Mabel'e barbs failed to daunt hin: He carried abundle of newepepers whose screen ing headlines were a variation on the same theme, aptly headlined by the Morning ‘Times. in bold type reading: ‘SIAMESE TWIN TO MARRY VAUDEVILLIAN Beneath there wes a two-column cut of Dorothy and Andre, with part of Vivian's face in the shot. Pariseau was bending down os he kissed’ Dorothy. Next to the cat, a tworcolumn spread proclaimed: Dorothy Hamilton, blond and winsome half of the world-famous Siamese Twins, announced her forthcoming marriage to Andre Pariseau, vaudeville performe!, whose aring sharp-shooting act is featured as ANDRE and RENEE, Both the Hamilton Sisters and Andre Pariseau are currently appearing at the local BIJOU theatre. ‘Tho sensaticnal announcement ie expected to rouse interest throughout the ‘world. ‘There was a great deal more, and in great detail. Ted Hinkley was flushed with excitement. The girls had never seen him like that before. ‘See... . seel” He kept exclaiming. “1 told youl” “Don't you res this publicity means? Girls, the Bijou won't be able to hold "em'”™ ‘They spread the papers on the floor, while Mabel made comments to herself, ‘The reviewers of the theatro-world, suddenly had remembered tho Hamilton Sisters existed, and had resurrected all their eliches upon ordore from their editors, The roporters had pulled out all their stops — one lady columnist who by-lined hersel Madame cupid, had titled her interview: “Virgin Lovel™” And had taken it from there in @ repturous aad somewhat torrid column in which the lewst she said was that Dorothy was Like a madonna! ‘Dorothy was silent, slightly dazed, her soft blue eyes on the cut of Andke kiss ing, hier, as if she were reliving that for her, memorable moment. 4 hope you know what you're doing, Ted!" Vivian remarked quietly. “Why, whassa matter Viv? You don’t seem enthusiastic!” Hinkley was genuinely surprised, ST don’t trast him,?? Vivian ans «. . Thope you're not fall ner’ seproechtully ‘Um paying him a hundred a week, If he gets out of line, his salary stops — alll" Hinkley said briefly. ‘He might tell the newspapers this was just a publicity stunt,” Vivian pointed ize what red coldly. “That mat 3g Into a trap” She turned ray, capable of anything Dorothy looked at that ‘He wouldn't dare!" Hinkley exclaimed. He's got no proof. He'd only be mak- ing himself out a lier, and thet guy's all vanity “WALL vanity!” Mabel sniffed. “He's more'a that .. . everytime I see him, he’s got a now partner in his act ~ he'd be sensational at stud!™ “Mlabell” Vivien exclaimed shocked. While Hinkley only grinned and rolled the clear in his mouth, pretending to be immersed in the newspaper headlines “Sorry girls! Sometimes I forget,"” Mabel sald unabashed."I guess it's Minsky's ining ised her head; her checks were flushed and her blue gaze bright with nger. “What right have all of you to say such things about Andre? He's ot here to defend himself... it's... i's horrible!” She started to get up from the sete ‘pon which she and Vivian hed been sitting and Vivian was forced to rise too. ‘Dotty! What's wrong with you?” Vivian was pale. Tt seemed to her as if they had fallen into a torrent that was carrying them willy nilly into a whislpool. Dom ‘thy hed never acted like this before. They had always shared their lives without quarreling, There had been many rules the girls had been forced to follow, but they learned that most of their problems could be settled amiably. Sleeping, cating, sharing their lives even to their most intimate moments, there hed been no adjust: ‘ment in thelr unique relationship which they had not been able to mal ‘Bat now Andre Pariseau had risen like a spectre between them! Please, dear. « . sit down! Dorothy obeyed her sister's request, but there was a strange expression of rebellion on her usually candid feature ‘There wat a loud knocking at the door, and Mabel went to open it. Framed in the doorway were the other performers on the samie bill at the Bijou. The Di Santos fand Margo; the Benedettes; the members of an acrobatic team they scarcely knew 1. ; They kept coming in, « gay, noisy group brlaging flowers and boxes of candy ‘and endless congratulations Hinkley was beaming all over the place, as if it weren't just publicity st to whet the jaded appetites of the public, as if @ romance had really and truly blossomed in the arid soll of an incredible situation. And when more newepapermen from other citien and towne began to arrive, begging for interviews, demanding more pictures, his elation grew in direct ratio to the confusion and scise. The flash bulbs popped. A crowd had begua to gather in front of the hotel, and the ‘manager called up wanting to know what to d> about people in the asking for their Ssulte number. Hinkley answered, “Only the press portantly. ‘The Gypsy Dancers had brought @ basket of Spanish wines, and the merry ratt= ling of castanets was heard presently amid Oles and Bravos of the ‘Flamenco? dance, accompanied by the aostalgie music of Spanish guitars and Bandura One of the dancers began to sing @ love ballad in a husky contralto voice, dripping with ‘emotion: + ++ obedy but the press.” he ssid ime ‘The moon is weeping silver tears, Over the Lonely promenaé ‘And under the balconies flaming with roses, ‘Ate heard the notes of a serenade . Es uns cancion vie ja y olvideda, Lena de penas y de natiozon. Gue exaits or coloe y Laz pontied Yilas vie jas rojas do low calabozos ‘The girls sat on the setec in the midat of the tumult and the laughter, withthe ‘ash bulbs making « thunderotorm of Bish lightening, and the crowd swirling ‘nd eddying about them. Av wousl, Mabel stood guard, standing a thelr side, fend ing off reportera and interviewers and naw and'then glaring & Hinkley coe sony through “the extraordinary confusion in 8 sort of werdlens ccttany. One of the reporters wav insistent, addressing Vivian and Dorothy, “How wilt your public react to thie announcement, gitlsp”” Then to Vivian, “whet's your Teectlon to your sister's marrage?™ ‘The girls glanced at each other not knowing what to say. Vivien looked at Mabel pleading! ‘the publicy” Mabel intervened, “Is unpredictable — one day W's love and isses, and the'next day, cat-ells and tomatoes! I know! Maybe this love efit will ake the public take the gle to itz heart — though personelly, Tie often wondered if the public has any .. .' baie : e “Don't, doa't write it Like thai!” Hinkley exclaimed apprehencively with a flare at Mabel. “hat she means ts the publics got a big heart, and Dorotig'sromance snd forthcoming marriage will touch them deeply!"” “Yea,” Mabel nodded, her expression bland for the Mill. “We all hope to touch them... at the box officel”™ ‘The reporter Laughed. He was an experienced man, and hoped for @ by-line out of this interview. “I understend,”” he smiled, “You hope to touch those heart= Strings of the public with the tendemoss, the courage and daring of this supreme Did for that meinspring of the universe ~ Lovel"” He gave Mabel'a derisive amite With a world of moaning ia i, as he timed. “Wow!” Mabel exclaimed with fervor. "I thought the mainspring of the universe hhad a dollar sign on it “You're just shallow, that isgustedly and tomed away. “Why, the old goat!” Mabel murmured to herself, as she stared at Hinkley's retreating figure. One of the guests approached with two glasses of wine and of fered them fo Dorothy end Vivien. ‘Another one came with a plater heaped with slices of hard Spanish mountain Ham; anchovies in oil from Italy; hard-baked Sicilian bread slices, and olives big 45 plums, There was jack cheese, and small torts with pickled mest inside, The ‘man held the pletter with both hands so that the girls and Mabel could take thele choice. ‘They made a sandwich a plece, and munctied on the olives Tt Was all confused and impromptu, and nolay, but there was « genuine warmth, f camaraderie, an easy joy and laaghtor that lifted it out of the realm of the onde nary. They were show people. They had come to celebrate something which was fan intimate part of their lives, like debts, and disappointments and. all the old familiar despairs. And in their simple spontaneity, they managed to make a huge success of the unplanned party. Mackenzie, the manager of the Bijou came in to offer his congratulations, tongue-in-cheek, but he knew it wee a roquired gesture, So far the press had gone’ ong in @ magnificent fashion, but the least suspicion that it wat merely « pub- icity stunt, would immediately tum it against then. He found himself surrounded by reporters. And finally, dressed in a pate tan gabardine suit that set off his splendid shoulders, Andre arrived. He was one of those men who have the knack of flaunts ing their sex Like s beacon, and the panterish grace of Is wall, the long, mus- ‘cular thighs rippling under the thin material of his trousers, added to the effect, ‘As he ploughed gently but determinedly through the cluster of reporters, phot- ographers and well-wishers, he smiled warmly, crinkling the long hazel eyes’ which at times were almost golden and at others a faint greenish hue, depending on his ‘mood. He walked over to the girls and took Dorothy's hand in his with w gentle ness, a tendemess that drew a gasp from one of the Spanish dancers, the teway fone with the large dark eyes, who had ceased swirling nd stamping upon his ene trance. She sighed enviously, tuming to her companion. “if he touched me like that sho said huskily, “I'dmelt like a candle! ‘Some one brought Andre a chair, and he sat next to Dorothy, drawing hertohin, so she could foo! the line of hie arm and the warm pressure of his shoulder, as he held her hand in his. He spoke to her low, with aa intinate note in his’ voice, which only she could hear, so that he menaged to isolate her from the swirling crowd and the noise and the music, leaving them alone as if no one else were present “Happy?” His voice care Dorothy nodded wordlessiy. ‘im glad. Dorothy . .. Dorothes . . ” He slid his arm under her neck £0 that hher head rested on his shoulder, and ignored the outraged glance Vivian gave him ‘iSo. you don’t think I'm as bad as people say Tam)” “Andre, T don't listen to people. .- Inever judge." | know people will come and tell you things «-» its their way, But just so you don’t think I'm as bed as they say - 7 “Andre, why do you keep talking about it? T always thought .. . well of you! ‘Pm glad. Ever since I first met you... 1. <7. well, L always hoped you might whet; you j ain't sympatheticl”” Hinkley seid sd her, did his eyes, like met I wish I could show you the real me — I mean sincerely, in my heart. I'm. 4 Ionely man. . « T'don't know why. I wish I knew!" He tumed so his face was lose to hor, and she could feel his warm broath on her cheek, I wish you could ‘know me ae I really amt” ‘It's important to You, Andre2*? Dorothy"s heart was in her eyes. His mouth come closer to hers, as he whispered, “More than anything in the torid!™™ ‘A flash bulb popped, and she drew back, He tried again fo recapture the moment and the mood, and beat towards her. I've never lived the life 1 would have liked. Even in ny Work danger follows me — I must use live bullets in the cigarette act, ‘and when I play the organ by firing bullets from my rifles... Funny, whet 1 really ‘want is peace and someone -.- someone». “ob, Mr. Pariseau, tell me when you fist fell in love!" Gushed a female inter- viewer dressed in baby blue, with o flight of birds in her large floppy, pink hat, She clasped her hands as if thrilled to the marrow. A very ugly expression flashed In’ Andre's eyes, thea it was gone. Andre sniled graciously, then he bent down and kissed Dorothy's hand lenge uuorously. Whoa he raised his head, he said softly, “I guess Thave always been ia Tove . = the only difference is, that naw ve found my dram gl! “At a hundred a week!” Mabel murmured to herself. Alter that, the enchanted island they had created out of thelr words and their thoughts, and the intimate isclation Andre hed brought sbout with his magic, wes gone, and the crowd engulfed them again. ‘Nothing would do but thet the gists sing for them. They wanted fo hear them, to ake them to their hearts. And Vivien whose throat was coastricied with anguish, ‘could only think inwerdly, ‘Dear God!" Finally Dorothy seng alone, on Vivian's plea her throat hurt and had to save what voice she had left for that evening's Performance. Dorothy's Lyric Soprano sosred faultlessly, as she sang ‘*Un Bel Di Vedremo,” from Madame Butterfly. She sang it with all her heart, with her eyes lingering on Andre's hazel eyes, as if within them, she saw a vision of a bliss, a heppiness the hed never known before. ‘When she finished, flowers rained at her feet, and she found that her eyes wore FOUR It has been a fantastic week. The crowds seemed endless. While previously a certain percentage of the sects at the Bijou had been empty, aow even the SRO ‘sign had to be removed, and disappointed customers turned away. Packed houses decane a commonplace. And in the elation of their incredible success, Vivian lost some of her fears. She tried to convince herself, with a measure of success, that Dorothy wasn't really serious. ‘That it wae merely a passing reaction to anew oxperionce in her life — perhaps a certain ego satisfaction which she had never had before, ut that itywould end, as it mist. Anything else was unthisksble. And Yet, deep in her subconscious tho fear persisted — was it a feet? Perhaps a pre- ‘monition of disaster which she strove ‘o banish from her mind. ‘Only Mabel, satumine and vinegarish as ever could help her. Hinkley was ride ing rose-colored cloud in which he dreamt of staggering percentages, and one Visioned filling a theatre the size cf the Hippodrome. She tried to shrig off the lunwelcome thoughts as she and Dorothy creamed their faces to remove the stage makeup, then began to get dressed, now that the last evening performance wes ‘As they were almost finished, putting on the last touches to their street make up, Mabel came in carrying their wraps, green one for Dorothy, who was dressed In ‘sapphire blue chiffon, and a black one for Vivian who was all in white. Dorothy tlanced. at the wrap dubiously. “No. +» don't think I'l wear this one after all... Get my white fursacket, x What is thio, e quick change ect?"” Mabel asked of the world in general andDorothy in particular. “This is the fourth time I've had to go back to the wardrobe! Make up your mind” Dorothy scarcely paid attention as Mabel flounced out indignantly. She tamed back to the mirror, touching up her hair here nd there; turning her head to see her face from various angles, and using © care and artistry to apply the final touches to her make up, thet Vivien could not help tut look at her wonderingly. “"U think Pll go shopping tomorrow,” Dorothy said absently. “I haven't a thing ‘Really! But Dotty . . Vivian pointed out. She eyed the expensive supphire chiffon re ‘costa groat deal, snd the tapphires around Dorothy” “You forget Viv, I'm engaged, “Dorothy smiled blithely seen in... just anything!” Vivian's saild surprise slowly turned into shocked amazement as the implicae tions of her sister's words begaa to dawn on her. “Dotty,” she suid quietly, "this thing’s getting to the point where it has to be faced. You're not taking your pub= licity seriously? I hope you're not falling for that sharp-shooter!” Dorothy frowned impationtly. “Well, whet if Ido like him? He's shown me what living really means” "Fine! May remind you it's costing us @ hundred a week tokeep you engaged?"" Dorothy answered wistfully, “wt wasn’t my idea in the first place, ‘And enyway, why count the cost where the heart is involved!" ‘Vivian's face blanched, and she said slowly, “Dotty! You're in love with him!” ‘very clone to teers. All she had feared, had come to pase Sr and he's in Love with mel” Dorothy very quietly indood, ogi Doty, 08, you don't know what youte saying. « «you cant buy “Maybe you can't . . . {f you're trading for even money, Viv. But I can afford to be short-changed... Don't forget, I'm thirty-fivel”™ The lipstick Vivien had been using clattered down on the de tay forgotten in the ensuing silence. Mabel retumed with the white stood waiting for them. ‘Hury UP, Viv, we have a date!” Dorothy said with an attempt at gaicty, end lane made a motion so that Vivian turned from the dressing table with her “You have a date -..”” Vivien said sombetly. ‘rThave a date, you have one too, my dear «- “*¥es,"" Vivian nodded, “with Hinkley! Mabel helped them with their wraps, her face @ study in disapproval, but for ‘once, she hed nothing to say = Dorothy was spectacular in sapphire chiffon and white lusurious fare when with her arm around Vivian's waist, she entered their living-room, and smiled at Andre ‘who rose from the setee. His black hair, she noted had deep blue gleams — like her gown, and his eyes were golden ax'if the sunlight had concentrated in thel depths. When he took her arm, he whispered « compliment in Dorothy's ear, and she could smell his masculine scent, mixed with the faint odor of tobacco and Iainter still, cologne. ‘Outside, in front of their hotel, he helped them into the front seat of the 1s black and glistening as his helt, thea went around to get in at the wheel. Viv- an was silent, wondering where he had managed to get the car, and the expensive Mlannel dinner jacket he has wearing ~ a hundred aweek was surely not encughs «+ ‘And Dorothy was thinking, it wat real, sho warn't dreaming, Pressed close to him as he drove to the Fireside eafe, she could feel the hard muscled line of this body, all of it, down to her thigh, and feel the virility palaing next to the warm Softzess' of her own body, now suadenly #0 vibrantly alive! When they arrived at the Fireside cafe, the table had already been arranged for = the large one in front of the mammoth fireplace from which the famous cafe de- fived its name. It was pleasant in thet comer, with the darting flames adding art to Dorothy's chiffon gown end tho blue sepphires at her throwt, while a strolling Gypey guitarist played languorous music to accompany her songs. In the subdued this is only the first time you've worn thet dress! ion — it had bly be Light, her golden hair seemed Nawless, as was the nacre of her skin. They sat so that they could be comfortable at the curving table, with Andre a little behind and fo" the side of Dorothy. Ail eyes in the cafe had tumed to them, and the whispered conversations biistered the silence like Summer rain on placid waters. ‘They ordered ‘Cog au champignone,” and a sparkling burgundy thet shone like a shower of rubles es it bubbled to the glasses" rim. It was all unmarred and flew- Tess, sitting there next to each other in the dim light, talking in the barest whise pers, eating together. It exhilarated her so thet she forgot her shyness, sad some= thing of wit and opeskle flowed into her answers, matching his, so that it was better than the food and the atmosphere better even than the wine, nd more ex bilarating: ‘Vivian strove to hear what her sister and Andre were saying, but for all the success ‘she hed, they might as wellhave been speaking in another language. ‘Quite suddenly, the conversation changed pace between them, A serious note intruded, #8 Dorothy said as if thinking aloud, "I can’t quite believe it, Andre!™™ Why aot? "Thies = thie coulda't happen to me!” ‘With all the cities of the world you've seen? With all your fame, Dotty? You're 2 vory great celebrity!” “Nothing .- » nothing like this, Andro!” “1m the one who doesn't believe... after my years of loneliness, of hunger for some one to love! = stlaye. you evar ews ilove, Ande? He sighed. “Not uatll now “Neither have 1," Dorothy seid quite truthfully. Then, “When I was a Little Tused to dream dreams... But thea... T guess I gave them up!™ You gave up too soon,” he smiled at her, and his smile was an adventure, Vivian could stand it no longer. It seemed to hor she had been sitting the for an etemity, a effectively isolated a if she had been on another plenct, oF they. were. ‘Well... Hinkley certainly ‘His idea fis really worked!” ‘iyeleo. certainly packing them in,!” Andre agreed smugly. “Who ie 62” Vivien inquired ielly. tomy... Dorothy and T-.- and you t20, of os Vivian. "Where do you come in?” It seamed to Vivian that the man's effrontery was ncredibie. “Sty. dear, Lm the groom!" He could be cn "In this case, any man would dol” She cou che despised sim. “You forget,” Andre said silkily, aware of her footings, bas my charm — and that's what brings them in “low dare youl” Vivian exclaimed outraged, and ahe started to cise, But Dor othy held her. “ivi, please!" Dorothy pleaded, At that moment Ted Hinkley came dashing In, he ran down the marble stairs that ted to the dining area, and came vp to their table out of breath and bubbling with excitement. ‘Girls, ite unbelievable!” He fumbled in his cost pocket end took Out three envelopes, which he brandished az he stood before the others, “Look! I just bal anced the receiptst"". .."" He placed an envelope before Vivian, and another before Dorothy; on the face of each envelope wat written, $1,582.73. ‘Andre leaning over stared at the figures. “Not bad at alll” He said obviously impressed. “imagine what we woulda made If we'd packed in the crowds we tumed away? Hinkley ‘bubbled. “Mts terrific . . . colossal, gislst”” Then he tumed to Andre, “And, Ym raising your salary fifty percent, Andre!” He placed before him another ‘envelope on which was written $150.00, and stood beaming ao Andre picked it up. no fool,” she said to divert the conversation 1 Andre omilod blandly at bbe cruel too, end at the moment that not every men‘Andro nodded in lieu of thanks, and Hinkloy picked up a chair and sat next to Vivian, taking out of Ris pocket a box office list, which he started to check aloud, showing Vivien the various figures. "ISo, you have separate payrolls?”” Andre smiled at Dorothy, his eyes straying ‘to the amount shown on the face of the eavelope on the table, Did you really think that we are one?” Dorothy said gently, as she placed the ‘envelope in her bag. “We have separate payrolls, separate accounts, and we have flwaye Jed separete lives ‘Vivian heard her, dividing her attention between what Hinkley was showing her land her sister's conversation with Andre. She lowered her head in chagrin — it was the one thing she dida't want Andre to know. At her side, Hinkley was dron- ing,’? ..- Aad look at this, this was Monday, mind you! But wait... look, Tues doy, almost double! Ain't it terrific? And Saturday, we broke all records! Tf we'd only had Soldiers Field!” Vivian nodded mechanically, but with every ounce of Swareness, she was trying to hear what was going on between Dorothy snd Andre. ‘Avvare of the situation, Andre wrote on a corer of his napkis, “I love you! ‘so that Dorothy could see it, but no one else. To Dorothy it seemed as if a great harmonic chord had welled up within her 1d became a symphony of all her forgotten éroame, which had now flowered iato ‘She smiled mistily at him, through a golden mist fof her own and pressed his hand convulsively in the simplest of caresses — yet it carsied all the adoration in her he ‘Andre continued to write, “Will you many me, my darling!” ‘This time she nodded wordlessly and closed her eyes, bright with the gathering tears. Andre beat over and kissed the golden-bright strand at the nape of her neck her cheek, and finally her eyes, then he whispered wistfully in her oar so that none. but Dorothy could heat. “1 wish T weren't so poor, so T could place on your finger the purest gem I can find 2 ‘Dofvitiy tumed ax far as the birth-bond would allow her and surreptitiously ‘opened her hand-bag, tock out the envelope and extracting all but « one-hundred olar bill, tamed the rest over to Andre, who pocketed if swiftly and then kissed hher openly on the cheek near the curve of her lips. At that moment Vivian des- perate with anxiety leaned forward to see thelr faces and saw Andre kissing Dor thy. “if this ts for publicity," she remarked her voice dripping ice,” your Uming is off... Tdon't tee any photographers around!” ‘ivianl”” Dorothy interrupted in @ voice f just, proposed!” “At the same price?” Vivian inquired with a bitterness which was an index to hher hurt, “Ordo We get a discount, now that he may be in the family?”" “Oh, ao!" Andre said blandly, masking with a perfect smile the hot rage within. more!” "Vivian was outraged, “Dide’t you hear Hinkle say he raised my salary fifty percent?” ‘They faced each other across the table, deadly enemies, each one aware of the steel of the opponent, neither underestimating the adversary. ‘Vivian turned to her sister, her face tragic. “Dorothy, you're not. . . you can't be serious!” She was unprepared for the absolute conviction In her sister's voce, fs Dorothy said, "Oh, yee. we are getting married! Hinkley who had been listening dazedly to this interchange, suddenly realized that his atunt designed to increase attendance at the Bijou had ceased to be publicity and had become a reality. Tt was more than he had dared expect, and hie eternal battle between love of the gitls and love of money, was Suddenly won by the latter. He rose trembling, the words bubbling up into his ‘a he pawed the air for an instant before he shout tions! ‘This is the greatest thing that coulda happ « champagne » . . a bottle of Mums « tnd scuttled across the floor towards the led with heppiness. “Andre hae edt ss Secing where the Maitre D., was seating newly arrived guests, and seeing a girl descend- Tne the merble stairs, he bellowed exhuberantly, “They're getting married!” Then heratopped short, as he realized the girl was Renee. The girl gazed with a world St grief in the direction of Dorothy and Andre, then she tumed and retraced her ‘The solicitous Maitre D., came over to Hinkley and took the order himself immediately, sir + would you like @ magnum?” But Hinkley’s enthusiasm had Cooled at sight of Renee's tragic face. And besides, a magnum was top expensive. Ife shook hie head and returned to the table. Ip his mind, he was already celcul- thing the effect Dorothy's wedding to Andre would have on the morbid curiosity St the public. “If this lasts long enough," he thought aloud, “We... we can fetire in two years!™ Scmewere inthe dinky lighted Cafe the Gypey singer was playing « Spanish song. in which the Moorish soul wept through a Spanish theme. "Kt tho table, Viviess hand trembled as she took the cigarette from her lips and ground it 48 the tray. Within, she wept too, but without teers, FIVE -Tnat night with the awareness of undreamable success within his grasp, Andre saa ta's'bEbign ood as e slowly tabutioned bis shirt, and listened toterently to wekeS, fn ted ntel room acrous rom the suite oceapicd bythe Hemalton slater. "Kohed Wau fur ftom sharing Andre's flings, Her face atomy, he. Mung tho aor raer se had been wading actors tne 190%, 1 landed face pat hs fet, TEP chet Decthy end im, andthe clus of publilty that had become T’Soconrpiace."He bent dows aad picked up the newspaper, gazed at the photo roph and thon at Renee ha Mivlce techalgusl" Renee lung sarcastically at Ande. “Sis des Andre said anlings the owe sist gives his all at every perfor ancelt?'Weia'n the paper go that Renee could aes the out wherein he wan kins iRebertige tthe pole of me lant bed at all” inet While you's making headlines, Pn getting the brushofl The only tine 1 ese jou news bince thi thing strted; ds on the Staue!” Renee blazed at hin, See terenate ns, thi of how many afe fumed away atthe boxoffice OY t to Mackenzie," Renee wes siost boside hereef, He might appre= ciate the big attraction!" She turned sway fom him, her eyes smarting ith tears Stsge sa huntlfation, her small fisto clenching and encienching, Andre gazed at SOFTEE ctuoment with cif snnured sniley then he apaintwmed fo the newspaper 15" adnite the photo, dee Anive said good-mumoredly. “Haven't you seen our new bi Andee and Renee inthe second pot Renee tamed aad faced him: "With my name in fine print! But is the Hanilton Sistere who're getting he percentage” Percentages have a habit of eeking their own level. That, my dear, is the its of Supply and demand “ynat are you going te do hypnotize her,” Renee inquired ironically, Gham Is the Word, Rence ss Chars He arched his cheat end foted i cepa" Thad to you can see ffm tha photo, my subject Lo quite sutcep be! Sree gazed chim ne white ary, goaded smost beyond endurance What an tuppied to do vhile pute tonchlog her economics ~ joins lonely hearts chap i don't think you're eliglbte for membership ... yet"? He added with implied chveat. "a getting, our percentages” he seid taking the roll of bill. rom his BUSES and nelding it up for Rence'to seer "Kom, be = good gil end Teave me Qione for # wills» eas gated ei him, quckly, obviously frightened by his implication, then at telsilot Site: Wordletly, she walked ot Inte the hallway, leaving Andre alone He ctarted taking off his ahi Telstey, and spped tothe Walst he walked overto the open window, and gazed in the direction of Dorothy and Viviea's suite, He ‘saw the Hamilton sisters in their pajemas also et their window, and Dorothy gazed at his magnificent tore, then smiled. Vivian took one Took and quickly shut the window, then pulled dowa the shade. ‘The sight of the man, apparently aude, sickened her ‘Andre smiled quietly to himseif. He had seen the wide-eyed wonder in Dorothy's of her smile. And besides, the triump he hed sieved ovor the enmity and opposition of Vivian, was meat and drink to his eas, For years he had hoped and strived for an opportunity that would make him & hends ner. and the frail loveliness of the Siemese Twin, he hed found It, He went into the clothes closet and took out @ quite, then he stretched out on the couch and dialed the Hamilton Sisters? number, Dorsthy answered, and be said simply in his rich baritone voice with a world of tendemess in it, “This ie for you!" Then he began to strum the guitar plucking deep, resonant chords end aang ‘an Italian love song into the receiver. Renee came in quietly and tay down at hig feet, watching him sing, watching the way he looked at her, as he seng at her with a slow smile, As she listened, she melted slowly, at all hor animosity, her joule ‘Ousy “and rage evaporated under his spell. ‘Andre finished, laid down the Instrument and bent forward. He grabbed Renoo in his ams and kissed her brutally, audibly. From the receiver hanging eff te eradle, came the sleepy, faraway voice of Dorothy saying happily, “Good night, ering!” Tt was a long time before Dorothy managed to fall asleep; when she dig, it w With Andre's kiss buraing on her lips, and the melody echoing in her ears. Sudden ly it seemed to her as if sho were awake, She started to turn over an her ieft elec, then remembered she couldn't, but it war too late, her body obediently hed turned over. As the realization smote her, she involunterily set upy snd looked dome ot herself in emazement, then at her sister on her own side of the bed. ‘The were no Jonger joine “tte Hang back the covers aad stood up teal # wild joy suging vom her. Still unbelieving, she walked vi oe ound the bed and stared down at Vivian pesce- fully asteep, It was incredible . . . She walked over to the greet French windows fand flung them open, and stepped out into a moonlit ganten., Deliveucly eke danced among the flowers and shrubs, and then over to a treo whose leaves were sllvered by the bright moonlight. She Looked down at herself, still in negligeey the filmy stuff swirling ia the soft night breeze, and at her body, free anduntrammelle And when she looked up, she saw Andre walking towards her with hia. arme out, Stretched. She ran to him, wild with joy and heard him say “I love yout" He held her for @ moment, then kissed her and began to opin and whirlher in aweltz eround the flowers and the shrubs in the enchanted garden, fecling his heart best epeinct hora, feeling the warmth of his check, and his strong arms around her Saddenly she found herself at the very brink of « yavining black abyss, and che cried, “Andre!” But he was gone. Agein she cried before the darkness’ cngulfed her, "Andre... Andre?™ ‘She found herself sitting up in bed crying hysterically, while Vivien pate and shaken was asking, “Dotty!” What ia it, daring!" Dorothy gazed wildly about the room, a if shecould aot realize wher f the reality were Jess vivid than the dream. Then she but ‘and buried her face in the pillow. ‘crying too, ++. [dreamt that Twas tree! Te. der of the one being that loved her more than ‘anything ia the world,’ Dorothy poured out the tide of her long inarticulate dee id brokeniy, ‘can't go on! And there, on the sh pal, “Sparling, don't ery: Don't you think I know how you feel? . . . Pve wanted love oI sai cenly, “All our lives we've had to bury Tooadh, her sabe, ory sot a machine, Vm a woman ”” Tahould have the 10 Sees verything! We've always said we were like other soph eet auferent From the moment we started to crew, when the leg of © Rable. Came between us and we couldn't pass . .. we knew” ae ‘yeas! Dorothy said sonbeey, "I remember! But we decided that our phy ond would never be our cross! _ be “qt hasn't been... until now. We've had so many compensatic eae vveon successful, we've reached the ¥ery top In show business «+ » en ing we can’t have, Dott ze © MiBcopt Reppinessl, Wevve fooled ourselves, Viv, that in bringing Joy and ere to oer we were making ourgeives nepryt®| Darling.” Vivien seh socthingyy ive never stood fa your way «3 ‘ro, but slay together on dates, parties, ighclubal Now T know the only way fsa’ be happy tte be alone wih te min I lve! L want t be free! “rect Vien wan adh realizing Dorey" intentions "But weve alway ween together. + and well be that way forever!” a 3 “No, foot forever!" Dorothy exclaimed vehemently. ‘There must be are - We'll find someone who can help!”" Suddenly she remembered, ‘*Viv, remember. - for Thompeon? If anyone esn, be» ma pocigeparetion®™ Vivien voce was shocked, “Not We've bee prodiedand WWorve been sold and exhibited end looked upon i nd sense wom oyu er om Ses despais whieh she hed borne in silence, “Not This La my life too «= « The orgie live tt a 1 right." Dorothy agreed, feeling @ universe of pain, Sood i t8 Nothing You do ham any meaning without tove ls eae oe the other had to be separated — he f Dorothy nodded wordlessly, Vivien continued. “All ree ie seteines ‘Vivian hold her oti he sobs hadron she cour, until en ctemity of tne ae ee erate be a Scag cee ear eee erie el ing twarenens that they were about fo be destroyed, Death posneased her. And in She had ade Hor decision. She bad eyreed to epaation forthe sake of Dor pecs cerealeSIx Dr. Thompson's voice was professionally impersonal as he pointed with « pene cil to the X-Ray plate held in © feame on a porteble illuminetor, The plate cleeiy revealed the union of bone and cartilage, and the shadowy culine of mascaley tissue, . « « But of course,"” he was saying, ‘there is no clinical history of a sct of ‘Siamose Twins having ever been operated on while both Were elivel”” He turned te fa tall, angular women, « noted psychiatrist who was duite familiar with the Histosy Of the Hamilton Sisters, “What is your opinion, Dr. Eckhart?"* There was a br chiatrist consulted « sheaf of notes unhurriedly. M1 believe,” Dr. Eckhart said in a well-modulated voice, “these two gists’ con- fot live apart. Although they have two distinctly independent minds, they hace been conditioned since birth to live ax an entity, ‘The paychic sapects are Ine ‘measurable. Even if physically the operation had chance of success, in my opine ion, the psychic and emotional factors involved aro ouch, as to preclude thels rene ration.” ‘A nurse secretary took down in short hand the paychiatrist’s statement, then having finished, she looked up at Dr. Thompson inqulringly. ‘The latter nadded fand she rose, walked over to the windows end rolled up the shades, flooding the room with sunlight; then she Micked off the light in the iluminstoy and soliea'ae ut of sight, Doctor Thompson seemed to be pondering. He gezed at the ther Physicians he had called in consultation and saw in their faces the regret of the slonce while the psy- Recessary decision in the negative, He sighed. ‘When 1 examined the girls many years ago,” he said reflectivety, “the more mention of ‘Doctor? was enough to upset them... A great emotionsl strers hee brought them here "Dorothy's desire to many,” tle sailed retuly.and eighan again. “This will not be easy!” He tamed to the nurse who had Geeg walling ns obtrusively in the back ground and said, “Miss Manning, will you neste cck ae itis to stop ine ‘They could hear the nurse ‘The Doctor will see you now." out, closing the door behind her. Dorothy and Vivian came in and gazed approhensively at the vacious face Doctor Thompson greeted them warmly and had them eit on a coveh neat the doo facing the specialists, But for all of Doctor Thompson's efforts to lighten thee, mosphere, there wan an awkward pause — a feeling of failure in the ais ther w ‘explainable. Doctor Thompson decided to take the plunge. He saw It was the only way. “Gls1s," he smiled, “my colleagues and I have discussed the vaslowe sepccieof vying from the doorway to the Hamilton Sisters, She held the door open for the gitla, then went ut your. . er request, at great length. We want you to know how deeply me adnine your courege . . ."" He paused regretfully. “But Mm afraid that «there ta very iittiehope. Dorothy tried to mask the profound dismay mirrored on her face . Sstecled herself against just such a verdict, but she was unabie to keep the neers break off her voice as she asked, "Then, there's nothing you can do?” Her oe ulsite face was pale, and violet shadows rimmed her eer. Doctor Thompson wordlessly spread out is hands in'a gesture of helplessness: What could he do? What could he say? A world of sympathy wes in his eyes, Was then that Doctor Eckhart, the paychistrist took over. she kacw there ‘Were all the elements of shock and hysteria in the situation, and she acted ‘My dear,” she began in the modulated tones which were calm and eohurried nd instinct ‘with power. “As a woman, I understand thoroughly. What 1s la your hhoact, is 50 simple ~ such an inaltenebie part of your biethright, ‘There fe setkonr to stop you from getting merried. No reason even why you shouldn't have childeenl Ail human beings seek completion — and moat of us find it in the conjugal Lond + +: My advice to you is, get married” ‘They left Dr. Thompson's office dazedly. The echoes of Dr. Eckh she hed 2 advice rang tike gongs in Dorothy's mind, as she clutched at thet hope. . « any hope! ‘Bat wos there hope in what 1ay shead? From the depthe of her renunciation, Vivien soalized that her sacrifice war not to be necessary efter all, that anothe Yond which was their completion, could not be diasolved. A crisis was pi “he wondered in silence if the ext one would not de e greater one stil. Mardlagel T Dorothy med Andre, what would it de fo the lives? ‘They emerged iron the elevator and welled to the sidewall. awash with moon- tight, while above them, enomous clouds of pestl moved restlessly towarda the ‘coe, But neither Dorothy nor Vivian were aware of all that blue sky, all that spar- Ting sunlight, Immersed as they were in thelr own private darkness, the clashing tention of their opposite hopes. Vivian was like a blue, golden hinge as they tamed the comer searching for # taxt, and ahe was the first one who spoks H ghess there is nothing left... 1s your happinost . . Go ahead, Dorothy. Get married! inst a eee carne ere reas sone eta Smeg Say eee ger eed Soest se eee ee ee ac ee Stee eee aie ame cer eee eee aoa oe eee eens ra ee re eee Te a ae ae a ce eee rene ree hence “pinally in desperation,they sent Hinkley to Price's office, and on the impulse ae wine ee ee, Te eae, yr ate car arty et nm erven fo sentimentality. “Look, Dorothy” Re said in the kindest tones he hed ever uscd, “Where there 4s a wil, there is a way... I'm going t send you to's friend of mine ~ maybe be an see'a ney out His sme ts Doctor Biman” “sAnother Doctor!” Dorothy walled shrinking. ‘Hers aot that kind of @ Doctor," Price smiled as he shook his heed negatively. ‘itlere's his address.” He wrote quickly on a pad, tre off the shect of paper aca handed it to Dorothy. Then he sew them to the door, patting Dorothy's shoulder ‘2d seying comfortingly. “If mayone’ can possibly effect a miracte, Re cant Don't ‘orgy, ay dear, 1s golng to be al right.” Hinkley stayed beta cihis forehead, then tamed to Hinkley, * hell did you have to start this mess?+* Cau slure of helplessness, The cold cigar mouth tasted bitter, and he threw it in the ash-tray. He pursed his lips. a 1 dannot”" He sald finally. “All my life I've wanted the gle to ht Sig time syujhliniye Ive wanted thom to have a chance for security "and that fakes seugty Tovght maybe, thls would de tt Now T dno fow i's backfired sight sn your facel™ Price said grimly. “That guy Andre's dangerous, You know that! Can"< you ses he dowsa't give # dann for Derottes Way Aid you have to pick avat like that Hinkley sbrogged hs shoulders, “It was just a publicity stont to start with sg gag tise you hike coulda got for arti pet lice this? T never hoagh dies Ges" you sicp it when you saw it was getting serious?” Price asked Hinkley only hung his head, What could he sey? tn the excitement and enthuse iasm of sulccest and-easy money, ail things had seemed possible ceven deaisbie. Bat now, he realized that the toy was hy way of becoming the mater, “ell,” Price said with finality, “Don't be surprised if after the marriage provided Biman gets her a licence ~ Andre Pariseau takes over, You've hertied the gists for yeare without a contract, haven't your See where that leaver yeas" “they wouldn't stand for anything Like that” Hinkley said heatedio, “Piey Jove me «theyre like my own children! They woulda" Law what to-d6 widen ito.» - But Pariacau would! And remenber,he'l have certain rights as Dor othy's huskana™™ ‘Aad in his hear, for the first tine in hi life Ted Hinkley felt the clutch ofan nn felt the clutch of ne And don't forge.” Price added relentless, “that the honeymoonll scarcely over, before he's’ disking champagne st her expense wilh some fancy eherel Just Like any other pimp!”" 2 Hinkley did not went to Rear any more, He knew it was too late for vain regret. He could only hope that it would tum out all right, now that Dorotho"s hopes was at stake. He waa a weary old man when he fose to leave, end foot ty anak hands. with lawyer Price. Once downtuirs, he gulp in the fos air of the bilan ftemoon, but the su wes too slong, and the baudy blare of a Juke bor mocning tha gil be fallen and had been abandoned to her fate, made him grimace. fe He decided grimly tht if Andre Pariscau wanted abate, he would get a good one ~ even if i was to be his Inst one, Ted thought. He marshalled is his Sted the thousand and one stratagems and tricks that had served'hin in the peek, Hf he freee Ou f Line he murmured to hints he'll bpow he's had Jo took a taxi to the hotel where the gle were staying, although he hated to hhave to face Vivian now. He had iy idee of how she must feel, Tr wow a pignatic Jest of fate. Here they had achieved fame beyond their wildest dros mone a Pouring in ins never-ending stream ~ and yet, there was ao happiness for asyne Pre eve Andre, When he orived atthe botcs the gidle were nov home, SEVEN Doctor Bimham had been in the service of the Lord more years than he cared to remember, but the passage of time failed to bother him, since ‘service? w Philosophy of life, He had acquired a profound insight into human beings poor passions of their hearts ~ a8 Af fo compensate in a measure for the lo ‘his physical sight. ‘ie was e towering man, spare of frame, whose wavy silver hair contrasted with his doop Blue eyes which seemed to be forever gazing at a distant vision. When Price telephoned him and explained the problem of the Hamilton Sisters, he hhad been silent for 4 long time, thea he retumed to the garden where he spent the fuajor portion of his Um TK was there that Marthe, his housekeeper found him when the girls arrived, ‘and she ushered them to the comer where Doctor Hiram on his hands and knees, twas digging @ hole in the earth with a trowel, Negr him, a double olesnder bush Was in bloom, He did not look up when he heard their footsteps, but waited until he heard Martha sey, “This te Doctor Bimhem. . . Doctor, the Hamilton Sisters to “you! “si am happy to know you,” he sald ia his slow, soft voice, Then he raised his head and smiled at them, much as a saint would give a silent benediction, “Doctor, we were referred to you by Mr. Price... .”” Dorothy bewan uncertainty. ‘Ves. Thgpe you don't mind if we chetwhile I plant his bush,""he indicated another plant near him, it's roots wrepped in sacking. “You'll find « couple of Chairs under the tree."” Then to Martha who stood next to the visitors, Martha, why don't you fix ue some tea?” “Yes, Doctor,” Martha said and withdrew. ‘The eirls looked at the two chairs under the tree, then at the bench near where they were standing, and Vivien said, "Thank you, Doctor, but we'll sit on the boneh.” ‘That old bench is rather shaky,’* the Reverend smiled. “I should fix it some time, but the garden seems t0 take up all of my lelsure hours » . . Of course, Martha objects ~ says I spend too much time with my flowers, and sot enough on ‘hy sermons, + Pm afraid she's right...” As Doctor Bimaham spoke, the girls glanced around them at the beautifully Kept eatden, now riotous with @ variety of blossoming plants and bushes. Dorothy's eyes widened a she sew the double oleander bush next to the kneeling Dr. Bir ham: Vivien attracted by her absorption in the bush, stered at it algo, and sav thet twas a tig bush growing from one stem, obviously having bloomed from one bud. Tr " Sthough I'must say,a"br. Biman continued, “the congregation doesn’t ‘seem fo suffer for it. “They're twins». Dorothy said as if thinking aloud, tuming to Vivien SEEK? oh, yes». Sometimes nature pemits twins to blossom from one bu! Dr._Bimam pointed out, :Demitso” Dorothy"s question was tinged with bittemess. “"You make It sound fas if nature were granting favor!” “No, my dear Dre Birnam emiled as he bogen to untie a string, “Nature does not grant "what she does, is with parpose and meaning, Every liv- ing creature is a part of her plan.” ‘Dorothy gazed at him as if she coulda't bel ieve her ears. “*What purpose could she have," she said indicating the oleander bush, ‘tin creuting this, when every ther living thing is an entity by itself" Dr. Bimam, still stroggling with the knotted string, smiled placidly to himself ‘agsin, “God's mysterious Ways are not always easy to understend! With patience wei" He stopped trying to untie the string, and chuckled somewhat exasperatedly, “put I'm about to lose mine. This string simply wil aot uatie . 1” Vivian took the. atring, untied it and handed it back to him. ‘Thank you, my children . . . (understand your bittemess . . . You must free 1 belief in limitations « «-” yourselves rom jined before us are very roal,”” Vivian replied. “Dut the barriors‘The Reverend rose, placed hi earnestly. ‘Faith can overcome these. You have been forced to live together constantly, bound by spiritual and physical tice — yet, I'm aure you've worked out way 16 live. separete and private lives.” Dorothy said slowly. ‘But It's almost impossible to com farms on elther side of the girls and told then “Thats why we came to you,"" Vivian interposed. “1 want to get married, but the officials of twenty-seven states have refused me «© license,” Dorothy said bitterly. "They claim it would be bigamy" ‘Bigotry! .. .!" Dr. Biman's volce was calm and soothing. «There can be no problem of moral or social wrong whore there is no intent of immorality.” Then he ‘added with conviction, **You shall marry the man of your choice! I'm certain that ‘eyes your mérriage will be hallowed. Martha's voice, calling from the house, told them tea was ready, andDr. Biman answered: “We're coming!” Then to the gisle, “Will youlead the way to the house? T'don't have my eyes with me... my dog is ia the Hospital --. Now, don't wonyy 1 know all about your problom ... I'l see that you get a license)” im and followed the girls into the house, where Marthe had prepared an old-lashioned tea, with English muffins ond home-made jam. Slowly under the benign influence of the Reverend, the girls began to relax, fecling the tension and the stress leeving them, in that atmosphere of peace and understanding. forced to pull, what - Bat despite the extraordinary circumstances of what was certainly not en ordinary wedding, he succesded where othors hed failed, ‘and in the end, he presented Dorothy end the skeptical Andro with a marriage license. There are tears of grief and tears of happiness — he devoutly hoped that the tears in Dorothy's eyes when she sew the official document, would be her Last. Inwardly he had @ premonition thet this tall, dark man with the startling hazel eves, whose description had been read to him, was not quite what he seemed. Dr. Bimam could not see him, but he had gift of keening in which human vibra: tions, however subtle, can be felt. And Andre's vibrations seemed to him to Leave imuch’to be desired. However, he gave thom his blessings, and promised to marry ‘them at the sppointed time at his church. ‘When they had gone, Dr. Biman tumed to his housekeeper Marthe, end said thoughtfully, “there are many ordinary love affairs, my dear, But ordinary people 0 not risk everything for lovel” Retuming to the garden, he touched the double ol with a'sigh, he went about hs chores, ader bush caressingly, then EIGHT Near the dressing table with Its array of greasepaints and cosmetics where he could see himself in the mirror, sat Andre, with the light of several unshaded bulbs shining on tho array of pistols and rifles on a movable rack, acatby. Renee watched him as he shoved @ ramrod with a bit of cloth at ite end through one of the high-powered rifles, He glanced at her, saw the brooding lock on her face, and could not resist the temptation of baiting her, ae a ort of compensation to his ego, He extracted folded document from the tight, highly ornamented hussar tunic he were, and waved At at hen ‘You see?" Andre grinned. Ml told you . .. there it is!" The document unfolded fas he waved it, and Renee could read the bold, black letters, which read: Marriage License, “You're not going through with it!” Renee said grimly, He stared at her with en ‘emused look. Who's ging to stop mei “tel suppose I told thom the trot" “About Us. + St might spoll your marriage, Andre!™™ Andre's ‘smile was feral. , . as feline az his narrowed goldon eyes. ‘You wouldatt dare... Accidents happen — I can missl Dost forget, Tuse real bullets, ‘nen seeing her reaction, his voice softened, 8 he continued, “Don't be fool Jah! Don't you wast fare, jewels, I'm seeing tot that we get our share! You cee where metre som, second spot on the bill =. Give me time, and welll be the esdlinersl? ‘He smiled at her engagingly. “Now, be a good girl and get dressed» » « nd don’t forget to be at our wedding after the show! He put his gun aside, rose and taking Renee gently by the army [Andre ushered her out of hiz dressing room. He battoned up his collar and straight: hed nis tun, then he walked over to the ismilton Sister's dressing room, knocked lrlefly and strode in with « happy smile Dorothy and Vivien were et their dressing table, and Mabel hovered hanging costumes and getting others ready for the next act. Dorothy turned her face slight Sis Andre entored, but Vivian after a glance la the mor, continued applying het Iakeap. aw If he were Hol there. ‘"Dartings Andre bent over to kiss Dorothy's hale. “Everything's sat! « Aftor tho. show, wetil be married!” ‘i'm 40 happy!” Dorothy exclaimed fervently. ‘ven the mayor's golng to be present." Hinkley and Meckensic came in boamisg. Hinkloy-as usual carying 2 bundle of newspapers, while Mackenzie wes simost incoherent with the importance of the ‘alsed the prices and they're still fighting to get in!” Mackenzie exclaimed, “youre going to have tho Biggert audience of any wedding in history!” He exage crated, ‘ax he, grinned at Dorothy “Audience,” Dorothy asked wonderingly. “I... T thought we were going to be married by Doctor imam, this church!" She gazed at Andre with « hurt look, and thea at hor siator Vivian, whose face was averted: “Ridiculous!” Hinkley ioterposed. “This is the chance of a lifetime, Dotty! Have you any idea of the publicity we're gettiag? Every city official's here, in- ‘loding the Blayor . . Look at this,” he said.displaying @ newspaper. “Look at the headlines. I wish this were Madison Square Garden! Vivian spoke"Tor the first Ui, resentfully, “How is if we knew nothing sbout “We had no Andro explained in conciliatory tone of voice, Afterall, wasn't Dorothy anxious to eet married?" “r¥es, but at least, we could have been consulted! Vivian persisted, gezing at ‘Andre with hatred end scom, “AWaat difference docs it make where we are married, Wetre show people!” Andre’ said softly. “There as a knock et the door and the voiee of the announcer saying: “Hamil- ton, Sisters, om stage!”™ “All right,” eald Mackenzie, “Let's leave them alone to get ready.” Tho men left, Andre went back stage to watch the act which was finishing priot to the Hame ifton Sister's number. A group of performers and stagehands surrounded Ancre, congratulating him, siapping him on the beck, and privately wondering what Kind of a uy he wos. Andre nonchalantly displayed a large diamond ring on the little flager of his, eft hand. "See, Five karate,” he grinned. ‘Thea he pointed to the dial of his viretwatch, “Studded with rest diamonds!” He timed back and watched the per- Tormers on’the stage, while the men yazed at one another wordlosely. They hed thelr answe “Then it was Dorothy’s and Vivian's tur.on the stage. Mabel stood in the wings to hand them their props, as they danced and sang various numbers. Dorothy was fadient, her voice had an indertone of tenderness, snd she. gazed towards te ‘wings. where Andre Stood smiling, a8 she sang their hit song, “Love Thiet”“To Vivian it was sheer torture, It seemed to her as if thelt routine would never end: And the prospect of Andre's inevitable nearest of intneey Soe wee she nad-no conwol,terified her. I only “= dent Gad if only K could rome Platonic’. .» If only she could somehow blank out her tind so that she woulee’t bbe part of ii She almost sobbed through her song, as she executed the itceve steps of their routine, and the frozen smile on het face was like 9 cleotne of the’ misery within, “They Halahed to the tomultous epplavse to which they had now become accuse tomed. But tonight new note seem to have entered. the audience anoated eed stared and dean encore afar encore: Women in creping gre, with onele littering here and there were in the tudionce, and a sprinkling of hen is tosedoe and some even in white ties. Sener ae ‘At last they were able fo leave the atage and the clamorous audience and go to thelr dressingroom. But for Vivian there tas no elie She had to go thooseh the ordeal of the wedding itself yet. os See ‘ter the last act, Mackensie stopped throogh the velvet curtains and el hand for aience, » fatsous enile'on hie perapiing feces ee ina radios and eenemen He beamed: “Thin ie » most umaroal night in c history of the Bijou. Over iwo thousand guests will witness the muriioe 2 Dovothy Hamilton, to Andre Parison, The. sunber of social thd’ eive ies preset in Too munerts (penton, wt ater youte «cla Leder, aoeat leader oF just plain Jane and Joe, we are happy to hove you with us tontghe™ He owed and exited towards the Wings, asthe sudience burst into ensied applause “The orchestra began to Play the Wedding March fron Lohenarin, and finely the curtsins opened slowly, revealing the gardon setting onthe stones Deroy, Vivien nd Andre, already were before the justice of the peace, while hamcoes Bembare Of the various acts on the bill, were grouped about. The music became suirtecd, tnd the Justice of the Peace began © speak in's mumbling drone: The restloes fadience rove to hear his worde in vais ‘An ovedy stout metron, her ears Wittering with diamonds, bent over and whis- pored to her companion, “Whats Strange marrage! Isn't he handsome? 1 ont Eotlda't Keep from attending!” She sed and adjusted pera glesses the beset to see. ‘at pussies me," replied the other, “ts tow con they arange to live eet M's a new design for Living, my dea... He must be « Frenchmen!” 1A gentleman back of them Rissed loudly for them to quiet dows and was 1 warded by two pairaof fied eyen, On the stage, one of the feminine perfomers whispered to aacther, “I hope shell be happy «+ Poor thing! She relly deserves Ai The men next te hor Rodded sympathetically. “Did you see the five tarat dianend she gave hot “had the bankroll he's sporting.” male voice said derieively. tfc sade i poy” Hie wife gave him » side-ong glance, “hope e's sincere. .. Men are such bratest She deserves some love in hr life, even if come of ua havent ot i ‘The 'man subsided as ithe hnd been dotated "The Justice of the Peace hed got down to the part whero who ever opposed tho mariage was supposed to epeaky or forever hold tis or her peacer Renee In comer near the wings wes wordless and fearless ae she watched the end of the ceremony. ‘And through the cloying scent of the banked flowers, the familiar music and the too familiar faces on the stage, Vivien felt like a’ stranger frma strange land who had strayed into some secret ritual in which she hed ao past: Hoe like Tentastic nightmare from which she’ wan unable to-amake, X'nightare through which the done of the justice of the peace threaded like a steal chant She Gould only close her eyes and pray for srengthy as she swayed slightly ‘And then it was over, incredibly twas over! The pandemonium Ia the aedience Muatched on the stage in en unceasing talv, af sound, Colored balloons were ed and serpentine and confett switied though the viliated atmosphere, i the packed toranity roared itn approval. ‘They were wirrourided by # tidal ware of poeple an bots nes aod wane Liseed the trie cl even embraced Ande Ia ‘he fashion of show people. ‘lowers of i ints and inues were strewn ores tine stage, the proscenlen/aad the state lending to the elling Tadioose And rising in a! cwescoadh of sous ‘ver the pandemosion, the orchestre begsn to play the tismphsl March fom Aida “After thot Vivien’ coular't sememir how ‘hey ever got to their suite atthe oust preted ther] we toa oisaeyioce eal eter tec onetenese er Wenrly they undressed with the sid of Mabel, who for once was strangsly sitents Vivian donned hor usual paif of white nylon pajams, bat Dorothy put On & over which she threw an exguiite desting gown, tort ox Diy. Soh the setee in te Livingroom while Mabel sade toem some toa fa the ie bumer sleciic appliances sad rought it to them steaming, then sod by {o'sve thet they drank. Vivien sipped it with distaste, and tut for her need for souttlag rm thet would stints tery she wooll eve refoved it. Hor face Sun Caloy tut lnwandy he wee tonified, burning bot and cold by tims, Resolst Uiy, she averted her mind from what the night might bring, clinging denperatly to tivone simple rersig which was at once the uldaate reason, snd the lfe-aaver to fer slang inde "ive her Nappincas . = Us Doreihy's happiness! Help ey deecedtoa Dorothy picked op the novel she had been reading for several days a8 she awaited the’ arrival af Andre. He had gone to his own room. She wondered if he would come back. Her even dd not ace the print av with her mind’s eye she re= Sunboced hie wide shoulders end harcrmusciad tors. Her gaze left the hovel and ‘candeved down her negligee, watching her breast rise. and fall rhythmically. He Sind uch whit, strong feet, she recalled. And there was a certain hardness to Bis Mazel eyes at mer ‘ndotbtodly, he could be dominating... pechaps, brotl! She caught her bros sod ‘anced diva t where ber brenats wore wemiing” “rhe tea bumed a peih. down her body id oat to where the shinestone st littered in the middle ef her neqligee. A long aigh cacaped her, Somehow abe Svulas't quitebring herself fo 1osk at Vivian.” Wonderfa, wonderful Vivian. She Swed all her heppitess to ber, Dorothy thought. But twas Andre who led her Sind, She glanced towards the bedsoom involuntary, where twin beds clove tor vitor hed Geplaced the od double bed. Avrafled aotin canopy, with # san core [Sntlong the middle, bad twen Mabel's iden. Dorathy Tet Mabel's eye’ on her td she fit ef ahs needed i ‘Mabel went into the bedroom ind then retumed with her cost, She sald Good aigit and tuarted to wall to the door Midway, she tamed impulsively, ran to pieMihy tad enteaced, Then she tamed away to hat they could not ee the tears hse ehouing silence, they heard the doorbell rng, then the door opened and Andre tine inte te livmeon in vslet pajmas, with a black Chinese dressing fom ere: Sem, Visas tait every nerve in her body twang like a towstring. She tried 19 avert her mindy fo whore toe cllvows of hs pipane «= bie rasence even ieee Toncinated by lo purpesetal nr, the slow omile of sticination Balch Sarved he Lipe wo that his song white teeth gleaned in the electric ight Th hescuter Uiphe,stwtched the vialet palamacrouaers as he strode over to Ure she and Dorothy he sn fom he eetw at ha enancte = Sass stood for a moment, his hacel eyes golden with desire, then he silently opens Se % Barty ey aid over he east then he pulled ert him cathy fit herscf engulfed in his ombrace, with his nervous hands cupping nerDbta nl fst am her lip. She could feel th long buring line wheres body {SiottG Rene Andre tossed over her ll power and fire, commending. He was huge. sea tee et yuve mounted in the eoft driaors where she now found herself, On {he cain aad tho valflons = wih the hardsmancled body pressing agent the trem- ting yielding softness of her own ashe found her.Dorothy thought she heard a distant, strangling cry, and then hor senses reeled into a deeper darkness. She was never able Later to quite remember what actually happened that fateful night.» = NINE ‘And if previously the lives and loves of the Hamilton Sisters, Siamese Twins, hhad captured the public interest and become the daily topic of newspaper head Hines and private controversies, now the sudden and unexplained estrengement between Dorothy and Andre, swept the city like a prairio fire. The headlin hhuge. “The comments of the columaists, frenetic. ‘One newspaper epitomize the situation brlefly with the headlines: SIAMESE TWIN DESERTED, BY GROOM OF ONE NIGHT! One famous wag, sharpened Permanent waves, to ask in e daily column: “Which Twin is the virgin?” And tm- mediately drew upon himself u torrent of opprobium. The Bijou, besides being & theatre, became alco an amed camp, in Which two factions, pro and con, glared at each other and engaged in arguments which sometimes ied to blows, ‘The up- oar became national snd then intemational, until the City Fathers began to wonder where all this were going to end" Meanwhile, attendance at the Bijou became almost a mark of wealth and pull for sents wore at a premium. Tt was impossible to purchase a ticket ~ reserv tions. had to be made for weeks in advance. When the Hamilton Sisters went on the stage for their act, the other performers clustered in the wings watching them curiously, speculating on how Dorothy felt. ‘They gazed at her with pity in their hearte and curiosity in their eyes, and each ‘one of them would have given a great deal to find out just what sctually heppened, to make Andre desert Dorothy the moming after their wedding night. Or was it the the: moming after? ‘But the Hamilten Sisters managed to mask their feelings; they didn't betray what had occurred either by word or expression. Dorothy tried to tmile end sing and dance #s if nothing had happened, but each Iunid headline, each ribald com: ‘ment in the various columns, was a fesh stab in her heart, She felt as Life had lost all its savor — as ifthe very reason for her existence, had dissolyed ints that darkness she had known her wedding night. [As for Vivian, there was cold, purposeful hardness about her, which prev cluded questions or discussions. One ot two had tried to question her, and they had withdrawn embarrassed anda tle eved atthe coldy ruthless look sho gave ‘There had been @ scene st their apariment when the reporters and columnists ‘and other representatives of the press hed practically forced their way In, that Mabel would novor forget. Vivian had almoat gone berverk and thrown everything sshe could at them, screaming frenziedly for them to get out. That too had bees roe Corded in headlines, but thereafter, they had beea left alone. Andro, festured with Renee in second spot, continued with his act, following the Hamilton Sisters. He went blithely sbout it, aa if Dorothy and Vivian didi exist, secure in the knowledge that he had achieved his objective « from now om he was headliner — wherever he went, the women mobbed hit It was the last night of their engagement, and the restless audience that filled the Bijou shouted itself hoarse as the Hamilton Sisters finished thelr duet = “Love Thiet ‘Vivian felt spent and dull as if from a long expense of spitt. She dared not look ‘at Dorothy, feeling the anguish in her sister's heart. She would not see Andre ‘gain. It wes over. Incredibly, it was over! A dreadful nightmare which had left oly. the dregs of a profound hatred in Vivian's own heart. Vivian could see Aadre out of the comer of her eye, standing in the wings, blantly male, walting for them to leave the stage so Ke could enter tlumphantly nd begin bie act. Something like a flame swept through her, blinding her as she owed to the thunderous applause. ‘Then with her arm around Dorothy's waist, they exited, and stood in the wings. ‘Andre was already on stage. They heard the first shot as he fired and shot the fete out of Renee's mouth, then the burst of sound from the audience. iil want to watch him,” Dorothy said wistfully. No anger, no pride, no re= Sentment possessed her now, only the inexpressible anguish of @ woman in love. ive... our last. . = aight!” She tumed to her sister Vivian, pleading with her eyes, in whlch the teara were beginning to gather. It Wat the last thing Vivian wanted to do, to watch Andro strut and pose end display his wares, But Dorothy pulled her towards @ spot where they could watch. ‘They walked to where # tree of the garden setting stood in the middie of @ narrow space, They tried one side, then the other, but each was too narrow for both of them to stand, 2 they stood elightly behind the tree, with the trunk between thes, 5 they gazed out, their heads on elther side of the 'ree-trank. ‘They Sew a myriad faces in the audience, then Andre, bowing on the st the applause, placed the gun with which he hed shot the cigarette out of Re ‘mouth on a small roller table; without even looking, he sont the table rolling Towards the wings with a push. The rolling table came to rest on Vivian's side of the tree. She looked down at the gun Tying on the velvet case and her hand closed round. the pune ‘On the stage, Renee had wheeled another table on which there are several rifles, over to Andre, who raises his hand for attention, then with a broed smile, he says: “Ladies and Gentlemen.» . I believe that what I am about to perform, on this stage tonight, is the only act of its kind in tho world! I will use these rifles to play that organ. My first selection will be a Bach Fugue.” Renee smiling hands him the first rifle. Andre tums to the organ in the back= ground, up stage, he aims and fires. The first chord of the Bach Fugue is heard Clear yend sonorous. Renee hands Andre one rifle after another and the music Smells. Mlosting over tho hushed audience. Tn the ings, Dorothy, completely oblivious to everything bat Andre, gazes at him with all the hurt, and love end anguish in her heart, ‘On the other cide of the tree, Vivian celmly raises the gun, sims at Andre and firos. She saw Andre's eyes widen in pain and terror, az he stiffons at the impact of the bullet, as he tock a few steps hesitantly, his mouth half-open, then eramples falling with his head twisted towards the audience. ee stood for an instant rected to the spot, staring in horror at the fallen form of Andre, then the audience rose in a pandemonium of shouts and screaming, drowning er ovm scream of horror and griel. ‘Close the curtain! « . . Close the curtain!” Mackenzie was yelling. A dense crowd gathered on the stoge in seconds, as performers, members of the audience, Stage-hands .... everybody who could push their way on to the stage, gathered arouind. the inert form. Finally, the police arrived and managed to achleve some semblance of order. ‘They took Vivian and Dorothy into custody, and immedietely had to take them to the County Hospital because of Dorothy's condition. She was in deep shock, m mmuring over and over in @ voice thet wat more of @ wail than anything else, “Let me die! . .. Oh, God, let me diel” Hinkley was’ almost out of his mind, Deep in his heart, he felt responsible Everything he had hoped for, had been granted him - with s vengeance! But he w: not prepared to cope with this situation. Bail was immediately forthcoming, but the judge was reluctant to grant it, How- ever after a wrangle of lawyers and the court, it was finally fixed, and the gitle were able to retum to their apartment, condemned to live in an endlost atmosphere of Scandal and sensation, as the days dragged lato weeks, and the trial progressed lowly.It scomed to Vivien a8 if it would never end, ax the long line of witnesses were called to the stand. They were questiowed and cross-questioned until their Yery thoughts were probed mercilessly. Dorothy was sworn to tell the truth, the Whole teuth and nothing but the truth! But could she? Vivian wondered. Lawyer Price did everything he could as he defended Vivian. At times he seemed inspired. But there was no question but that Vivian hed fired the shot that, killed Andre Pariseas. ial draws towards the end. To Vivian sitting with Dorothy at the it all wae liko a ghastly nightmare from which one presently, She heard the prosecutor making his final plea to Judge MacAdoc, for iad waved jury trial, coatent to abide by the verdict of the judge. ‘Your Honor," the prosecutor was saying, “'There probably has never been a ‘more unusual case presonted in any court; nor has any court heard so mach testi ‘mony. that is irelevant and immaterial! “fin an attempt t0 arouse your sympathy, the defense has taken you backstoge Into the life of the Hamilton Sisters, deliberately ignoring the fact that we are here only because murdor hae been committed!” He tamed and looked at Vivien, who, fetumed his hat gaze, calmly. “The state is not Concemed with the involvement in the lives and loves of the defendant, her sister, and the aurdered man. It is only concemed with one ques ion: Did or did not Vivian Hamilton, with premeditation and in cold blood, shoot fand Kill Andre Periseau? . . The answer to that is — Yoo! . . By her own admise Sion!” This time he gazed at the judge, as he drew himself up and concluded, therefore ask you to pronounce the only verdict possible — guilty. .» guilty of murder in the first degree! ‘The Prosecutor bowed to the Judge and sat down, looking grimly “et Attome} Price who rose as Judge MacAdoo, said, “Counsel for the defense may proceed: In, the hushed Courteroom, every eye was centered on Attorney Price. What would he say? What could he say that had not been said already in the seemingly interminable battle between the State end the Defense? For the moment, bath Dorothy and Vivian were forgotten, ‘They remained ao more symbols of a tragedy which, in the 1a went beyond the fact that « life had been taken. And, of all th profoundly consciou He was aware, as he walked « few paces to stand in front of the presiding that ‘the usual, Tegalistic and formal defense would fall fer short of his ‘aware too, that the time was ieit sympathy oF iding. It wasn't only that Vivien Hamilton's Ife was at stake ~ Cercore would be made and.unmade in that small, hushed ante-room. The trial had ceased to be a local matter. (t had trenscended national boundaries and become an inter= ‘ational affair. It had been established that Vivien Hamilton had fired the fet shot. What would the verdict be? What could Lt be! ‘This was the moment for which Price had been waiting, throughout the har- owing ordeal. He permitted himself @ backward glance at Vivien, whe pele and silent, gazed unseeingly straight chead. He smiled at her out of the well of pity Within him, then he tuned to the judge, and began to speak in a low, vibrant Voice, instinct with feeling. ‘*Your Honor . . 1? Price paused. “The state has built « case against Vivien Hamilton which is punishable by law, and applicable to all human beings, The Prosecution demands the extreme penalty.” He looked squarely into. Judge Mace ‘Adoo"s eyes as he continued, “When it comes to punishment, the lew demands quality ~ but the actual fact is, that the Taw has never considered the Hamilton Sisters as equals..." He tumed and pointed dramatically at them, then tumed his head to gaze at the judge. “They have been denied marriage. Children. Love! All normal falfiliment has been denied to them irrevocably. Has the law ever protected them! No! But when Mt comes to punishment, to the destruction of their Lives, the lew demands the exe treme penelty + + “"¥es, Vivien Hamilton is guilty . . . guilty of loving her sister Dorothy better even than her own lifer Should you ‘find that the defendant i= guilty a= charged, Linder the statutes of this state, the death penalty would be mandatory. But if the Saw is to be satisfied, the state becomes the murderer of an innocent person — Dorothy Hamilton If you find Vivien Hamilton gailty of manslaughter, then the penalty is life imprisonment... and even then the state cenaot deprive her Sister Dorothy of her rightful liberty. In fact, the Law cennot take Vivien Hamil= ‘on into custody without defeeting the very purpose for which it was created — Justice! «| In the silent courtroom, not a sound could be heard — not even the breathing of that mags of humanity who sow hung on every word of the Defense. Judge Mac ‘Adoo was leaning forward as Price paused, and so was the frowning prosecutor, “fyour honor,” Price coatiaued. “Do you know what the Book of Knowledge calls the Hamilton Sisters, Task you your honor, are they abnormalities, or are they human beings? Are they one and indivisible or are they two entirely separate entities? =» ‘cannot conceive in my mind, eny other verdict than not guilty! The defense rests ite case in the hands of the court.” He bowed to the judge and walked lowly over to the defense table and sat down. “Judge MacAdoo's voice sounded hoarse and strange in the ensuing silence es "The prosecution may proc: The prosecution rests)” was the answer, as the prosecutor mopped his fore With # sigh, Judge Machdoo rose gathering the folds of his robe around him. ‘scour will fensin is session ent « verdict has been reached," he eid slowly, then retired fo his chasers to deliberate, Az soon am he ha left, the madionce Soomed fo come to life novsly, ike’ « fong-dormant orgetiem. speculation was te cigsreton were lighted; groups walked ino the hall, others peered Cu the giss ating ty the defenae table. Hinkley cumo over ndpeatted Vi i lite niy, loses Lapeer eally etal peal el gratia oe CSosnes where before there nad been padey flesh Dorothy was weeping softy, i. Sitentif into handkerchief ‘The wait seemed interminable ~ another phase of the endless nightmare which scemed to go ov inexorably like a Greek tragedy. (Ar last, the Judge, emerged frém hie chambers, and the Biff chanted his slurred ritial sndouncing thatthe court was agtin ia sension, And once more the Slectric silence pervaded the cour, antl the Jadgeseidh “The defencant will sci" And both Vivien and Dorothy Sbediently sone to Rear thelr fater Sudge MacAdooto face wee qrars, he guatd st the girls, thon ot the packed coantaroom. “After twenty years on the bench,” he said with feeling. “I cen find no precedent that will serve me as 4 guide inthis casct The purposes of justice fe'to protect the innocent ss wel ws to punish the guilty. Were Solomon, T might ic given the supreme wisdom to do justice’ But aa it i) T'sannot pans nentence ‘Sd deprive an innocent person of her liberty and her life ‘Therefore, higher Court than mine, will nave to impose the final dgment™ He ceaned speaking for ss instent, then gazing atthe courtcom with wail eobracing glance, he added, ‘%{munt point out thatthe defense shone to place tho entire responsibility of this aon on by Sontclance, Had the Golense chotes tial by fury, sugone of you could hhave been selected to shere the burden. - And, if you mere te fury, 1 wonder Baie pac tedster iat stoped oreecg at eee ‘Tus enti courtroom tone in'e becrendous salvo of soon. They sew in thove two sli figures, so erully burdened by ate, symbols of it hat Momanity ean fd must endure. Saw the truth for ah instant, which unveiled the empty dark et Cl re Tn those two figures standing fee, they saw the altinste mesning of Life, to ‘which douth matt odd foe suatts mtgaficence if We last avectors, and they heered and cheered, despite the hanging govels, and the shouting Bailiff ~ cheer feeb tie vial end Gar Perdct ont OEE EEMIeN tse piisy te eccectag0 deeply felt that it went beyond the power of words, and could only be trans Teted into that ultimate meaning which is the secret dictum of the heart ‘And as Vivian swayed lifeless almost from the long, relentless. cxpense of opirit, it was Dorothy this time who enfalded her in her arms, as Hinkley bent his hnead,” for he too, wa crying. ‘THE END Cat nd ein ond prea em te dt heel f the matin ltr "Cane for 1WONDER BOOK CO. 1820 GRACE AVENUE HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA 90028The Intimate Loves and Lives of the Hilton Sisters was bought and scanned by @AManAndAMouse (on Twitter)