The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1907-08-23
A String Of Green Beads.
By CHARLOTTE FROST.

leried house as the last notes OF the
closing chorus died away.
Among those who still remained
sitting as if spellbound by the music
were regally handsome lady and
her escort, both foreigners. This
lady IL was who, among all that even
ing's patrons, had most attracted the
admiration Of Louis, the pale boy
usher. Accustomed 10 the sight of
beautiful and sumptuously-gowne
women, this one with her majestic
seemed 10 him a queen. Regretfully
she at length rose and offered her su-
perb shoulders to receive her ermine
cloak.
That night Louis duties kept him
late. At last, ready TO go, passing
down the aisle, he was attracted by a
glittering object in the seat the lady
had occupied. Closer inspection
showed a string of beads curled upon
the velvet cushion, where they had
slipped from her neck. Louis raised
them toward the light. How they
cleaned and scintillated, each bead
Of pale green throwing off sparks
from its fascets as it swung from his
hand.
Its no use TO think Of restoring
them to her tonight" thought he.
The lights were already being ex-
tinguished, so he slipped the neck
lace carefully into his pocket and
started home.
The street where Louis lived with
his invalid mother and little sister
was an obscure one, far from the
homes of the pleasure seekers who
frequented the opera; for Louis was
the family's sole support. But II was
his ambition some way to give his
sister, passionately fond of music and
gifted with a voice of great promise,
musical advantages. How, he did
not .-et know.
He found both mother and Con-
stance waiting up for him.
What makes you look Sd happy,
LOUISE" queried Constance, as he
opened the door.
do II" replied Louis, Indifferent
ly, still smiling. 1T must be because
the music was wonderfully fine to-
night"
How I'd love to hear it, too"
cried Constance. Some time you'I ,
going to take me with you, aren't
you? / dream of it all-the heavenly
music, beautiful faces-and hear the
singing in my sleep-really!"
Yes, Sis, some time when I'm rich
you and mother shall go every night
and ha-1 the best box in the house -
Louis disposed of his tea and toast
with great relish, then said, What
do you suppose I've got in my pocket,
Sis? Want to see? Guess, mother" D."
"Deary me, ! never could tell, "
said the little mother.
Then Louis held up the sparkling
beads.
"Ob, Louis, did you find ,nem
How beautiful. They seem to be
alive, don't they mother?"
But not half as beautiful as the
lady who lost them" said Louis,
tw..ling the string.
IF you know who lost them,
Louis'-began Constance, who was
the soul OF honor.
Then Louis explained, assuring
them the necklace would be adver-
tised in the morning.
Meanwhile they're yours, Sis. Put
them on and play you are great
lady"
Constance clasped the necklace
about her slender throat, turning
about TO get better view OF herself
in the little mirror. Then breaking
into snatch of song
II really think ! could sing like
your prima donna wearing this,
Louis" she laughed merrily.
Some time, Sis" whispered he.
The next morning Louis scanned
the papers and bulletin boards in
vain. The days passed, Constance
still guarding the treasure. She mad
grown fond of it, and often opening
the drawer, where it lay on scrap
Of velvet, patted 1t lovingly.
One evening, happening TO be of
duty, Louis took Constance TO the
Park. He had persuaded her, much
against her will, TO wear the neck
lace. Constance, happily chatting on
the street car, heard someone behind
her say:
Yes. strangely brilliant-like that
wonderful string Nine. = wore
as Elsa-tbey seemed 20 throw of
sparks. But these were probably
bought for a quarter" the speaker
laughed.
A few days later Louis, taking the
beads, consulted jeweller. An idea
had taken possession OF him since he
regarded himself as the rightful
owner He grew quite pale at the
value named. The beginning OF Con-
stances career seemed assured. Still
he. hesita;ed TO sell the necklace.
There was no hurry he told himself.
A year passed and, having saved
little by little, Louis was able 10 give
Constance the long promised visit