The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1907-09-11
A String Of Green Beads.
BY CHARLOTTE FROST.

The curtain fell on the last act OF
"El Toreador." Tumultuous ap-
pause surged through the great gal
lerled house as the last notes of the
closing chorus died away.
Among those who still remained
sitting as II spelbound by the music
were regally handsome lady and
her escort, both foreigners. This
lady II 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 q queen. Regretlully
she at length rose and offered her SUI
perb shoulders to receive her ermlne
cloak.
That night Louis duties kept him
late. At last, ready to go, passing
down the aisle, h1 was attracted by
glitterlng object in the seat the lady
had occupied. Closer inspection
showed 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 scntlllated, each bead
of pale green throwing OF 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 ey-
tinguished, so he slipped the necls-
lace carefully into his pocket and
started home.
The street where Louis ived 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 famlly's sole support. But It was
his ambition some way to give his
sister, passlonately fond OF music and
gifted with voice of great Iromse,
musical advantages. How, he did
not .et know.
He found both mother and Con-
stance waiting up for him.
What makes you look 60 happy,
Louis?" 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.
going to take me with you, aren't
you? dream of It all--the heavenly
music, beautiful faces-and hear ;he
singing in my sleep-really!
"Yes, Sis, some time when I'm rich
you and mother shall so every night
and ha,' 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, never could tell"
said the little mother.
Then Louis held up the sparkling
beads.
"Oh, Louis, did you find ,Aem.
How beautiful. They seem to BE
diiNN, NOh thty HlOlheI
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 a 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 a snatch of song
II really think l could sing like
your prima donna wearing this,
Louis" she laughed merrily
Some tima, 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 a 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. z wore
as Elsa-they seemed to throw off
sparks. But these were probably
bought for quarter" the speaker
laughed.
A few days later Louis, taking the
beads, consulted a jewelle:. 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