The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1900-01-19
THE HEART OF PEARLS \


u The famous singer Olympia as she
-, he'd the queens song in the opera
.peau d'ine," at the Gaity theater.
qh. climax of the whole piece was this
,a.., of the fairy queens, who appeared
.nh once during the performance.
Tic part was usually taken by less ac-
somplished singer, but for TINS en-
csrement the famous Olympia, who /
l.a sung in grand opera over Europe |
ana America, had been secured, as she
lanpened TO be in Paris at the time
Win 10 other engagement. As usual,
when her name appeared on the bill,
lie house was packed by an enthusias-
IL crowd.
~ spite of the universal reputation
her talent had won for her, Oily mpia re-
manned simple and good. She had made
an enormous fortune, which she de-
,g,tc entirely 10 her art, and TO char
~, Her kindness TO struggling young
,roers and ambitious but unrecognized
sectors. had made her as famous as her
beautiful voice and charming person
lIty.
Of Olympia's origin nothing was
known. though there we're many stories
circulating about her. The one which
gained most general credence por-
traxed her as great Lady ~ho had
been drawn irresistibly from high po-
siion 10 the stage. and, thereupon, dis
owned BY her family. The only GER
tairty felt about her was that ner repu-
taii0n was irreproachable, and that she
A,pt The scores of adoTers constantly
rotating about her, at respectful dis
lance.
When the song ended the queen re-
tired to throne TO receive the homage
ii the subjects of the play. 1t was a
sumpiuous procession which passed be-
fore her in gorgeous costume. Zach
subject. as ne pas ed bis queen, stopped,
bowed and then moved on to make
room for the next. The queen always
watched with interest these obscure
and awkward subje OF hers. woncer-
inu What different feelings, what
sHeG loruings ard discouraged ambi-
tiars LAY beneath the brilliant clothes.
Oae among the number had excited her
interest and her sympathy. lie seemed
different from the others; his bearing
a.. dinnified. his face refined. his man
rcrs perfect. Arrived before her. he
would sweep her bow like grand
se'rreur. fixing upon her eyes in whose
expression she read profound admira
lion and deep melancholy mingled
That lie had suffered some misfortune
sle felt as sure a. that he was worthy
Of something better than humble par
in fairy opera.
Tie mute homage offered her eacl
night touched her ine~pressibly, an'
She lcnged TO do something to help III
man. but hesitated to Offer She fel
her heart beat faster at his approach II
the procession. and grew alarmed
the strength of her own feelings.
Tonight. when the play was over
shr pointed him out TO the manager.
"Whoi j. that man?" she asked.
~ poor fellow named Chateiain." re
Piled the manager. There are hun
crsds ike him. Going this kind Of wor
for three francs day"
Tie manager was mistaken. III
ISL gentleman named Juan Rodrigue
~ pcnaflor. Born in Madrid. raised
The midst of luxury. he had inherite
a his parents death an enormous 70
tune. Through bad management an
extravaganza. this had gradually bee
reduced. until only small part r
manned This Juan thought TO use
flI g.ft. ls.l l., u on nf
ccemng he whole. at the gaming tabl
and here he lost all that was left
him.
His uncle, the only remaining rel
live. closed his door TO the young ma
LETT penniless, through his own foil
aid Juan had come TO Paris. where
tried to make living by giving lesso
~ Spanish. But pupils were scarce, al
after try ing many things, he had dri
e. into the opera chorus, easily obtai
ing the position on account of We
fair tenor voice. Proud OF his old fai
iiy name. he had changed il for that
Ihaielain.
Y was at this time and under tt.
circumstances that he fell in love wi
olympia The very hopelessness of
passion dcepened it, and he worship
h'r a a Greek might have worshipe,
poraess- II was through his love Il
me greatest temptation Of his life ca
TO him.
IN oae Of the most frequented bou
wards in a jewellers window he had
ured ar exquisite niece Of iets.lry'