Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1907-08-31
A String Of Green Beads.
By CHARLOTTE FROST.

lerled mouse as the last notes or the
closing chorus died away.
Among those who still remained
sitting as II spellbound by the music
were regally handsome lady and
her escort, both foreigners. This
lady it was who, among all that even
ing's patrons, had most attracted the
admiration of Louis, the pale boy
usher. Accustomed to the sight of
beautiful and sumptuously-gown
women, this one with her majestic
air, brilliant eyes and gracious smile
seemed to him queen. Respectfully
she at length rose and offorod hor 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 1t was
his ambition some way to give his
sister, passionately fond of music and
gifted with voice of great promise,
musical advantages. How, he did
not let know.
He found both mother and Con-
stance waiting up for him.
What makes you look 81 happy,
LOUISE" queried Constance, as he
opened The door.
do II" replied Louis, Indifferent
ly, still smiling. ut must be because
the music was wonderfully fine to-
night"
How I'd love to hear it, tool"
cried Constance. Some time your ;
going to take mo with you, aren't
you? ! dream of it all--the heavenly
music, beautiful faces-and hear the
singing in my sleep-really"
Eyes, Sis, some time when I'm rich
you and mother shall go every night
and har7 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
"Deary me, L never could tell, !"
said the little mother.
Then Louis held up the sparkling
beads.
ooh, Louis! did you find ,Iem I!
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" 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
Il really think l 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 had
grown fond of it, and often opening
the drawer, where it lay on scrap
of velvet, patted it lovingly.
One evening, happening to be off
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. L wore
as Elsa-they seemed to throw of
sparks. But these were probably
bought for a quarter" the speaker
laughed.
A few days later Louis, taking the
beads, consulted a jeweller. An idea
had taken possession of him since he
regarded himself as the rlghtful
owner. He grew quite pale at the
value named. The beginning of Con-
stances career seemed assured. Still
he hesitated to sell the necklace.
There was no hurry he told himself.
A year passed and, having saved
little by little, Louis was able to give
Constance the long promised visit
to the opera. 1t was during the Tul
OF "Lohengrin," and Constance, a. in
a dream, was transported into a won
derland of beauty and light. When
Elsa stepped upon the stage radiant
as a vision, Louis, with great start,
saw the lady OF the beads.
at is she, Constance, he whis-
pered.
Are you sure, Louis? Then we
must see her. My beautiful beads!
But shall not mln6 giving them up
to her. She Is divine. But listen
-"
Amid the cries Of Bravo" BRAY
issima!" which filled the vast house
as the world-famed Nine. z fin
ished her last song, Louis and his sis
ter made their way to the stage en-
trance. The Incompatible voice oil
the great singer greeted them:
my little green beads! oh, yes
| now remember What! Is 1t that
you have kept them for me so long?
And the little girl? Sister-oh, yes
It shall be hers, the necklace she has