The Topeka state journal., 1909-03-02
THE EVENING STORY
Her Face of Youth.
(By William stanhope. )

/ ''The dead sea fruit of ashes. that
is all life has meant for me I won
| der''-but here Mrs Ellery ST. John
| drew herself up with a start. what"
| she thought, talking to myself like
an old woman Really I must not be
SO much aIone.''
Being alone at all was new to Mrs.
| st. john She had always been on
the qui vive from her brilliant girl
hood through the ten years of her
widowhood and the restlessness told
| on her.
Fine lines about the eyes and
mouth told of the nerve-destroying 6
Margaret ST. John seemed possessed
with a spirit of unrest and had for
gotten how to relax.
This year she seemed too listless to
staying in town. But she must be
amused. She turned from the desk,
where a bundle Of old letters had
given a melancholy drift to her
thoughts, and took up one of the club
calendars.
All, there was miniature day at the
woman's club. That looked promis-
ing. IAN exhibition of old miniatures
would certainly be amusing. These
obsolete things would afford more
than passing smile, and there was
sure to be good music. Mrs. st. John
listened not only with her ears but
with her heart to a fine voice
She was followed by envious glances
as she entered. Her perfect gown,
with the delicate bits of old lace, was
worn well. The women of the club
thronged about her, each with some
special bit of gossip-the ambitious,
pushing ones on the edge, glad of a
smile or bow that held out hopes for
social advancement
AS the president took her place they
settled into their seats to listen to the
brief programme. A brilliant harp,
piano and violin trio. the first number,
ended with a flourish. Then, follow
ing a few sweet bars on the piano,
came a voice so pure. so rich, so clear
that an utter quiet settled on the audi
ence. 20 del milo dolce ardor!" sang
the girl. A critic might have found
flaws in the execution, but 1T was
voice that sank into ones heart.
Mrs. st. John gave the singer her
utmost attention. She had no pro-
gramme. in fact never cared who
these people were who amused her;
but some note in that girls pure voice
stirred her profoundly. Once, long
ago, a voice strangely like this had
called to her heart, but she was not
allowed to respond. Her parents were
too world-wise to permit any wander
ing away from prearranged plans.
But in her moments of self-com-
munion Margaret st. John always
heard that voice call to her out of
the silence. Now it seemed to her
almost as If this secret of her heart
was being proclaimed to all the world.
She looked eagerly at this girl
whose voice charmed them, slender
figure in a black gauze gown, dark
eyed and foreign-1ooking. go del mio
and Mrs. st. John reused herself at
the sound of soft clapping of gloved
hands. She did not applaud.
Another number or two of instru-
R~T cOf%
hum of conversation everywhere as
the teacups were handed about Mrs.
st. John moved with the rest toward
the miniature exhibit. Delighted lit
tie peals of laughter told of the oddi-
ties in these old pictures of the past
stranded.
MRS. st. John glanced over them
in her bored way. Really, except for
that solo. it was scarcely worth the
trouble of coming, she thought. Then
suddenly, face to face, her youth look
ed at her It was her own picture.
She looked at the card. Loaned by
Miss Margaret Delafeld." she read.
''Who is Margaret Delafield?" ?" she
said aloud.
"Why, our sweet singer, Mrs st: !
John. Hasn't she a superb voice?
the president. Mrs. st. John |
put out her hand. "Where is she =?
Take me to her"
The president slipped her arm
around her. for she looked as if she |
would faint. Here, dear" she said.
Il will send her to you" and asked /
one of the ladies to see that Miss Della
field came to them at once.
When the door opened and the
Young girl entered the president left
hem. Mrs. ST. John reached out her
hands to this girl "Where did you
get that old miniature?" asked she.
TT is so interesting. Whose picture
If
"Oh, the picture was fathers. 1t
was so beautiful I offered it to the
aides for exhibit. 1 do not know
whose it it,
"TeIl me of yourself" the worldly
woman said, as her gaze searched the
ace of the girl whom she had drawn
beside her on the divan.
ooh, have been singing at the
,nes at first, you know. was very
ortunate to have the opportunity of
his afternoon"
"But your chi1dhood?" eagerly ask
ID Mrs. st. John. your father your
nother?"
Bit by bit Mrs. st. John got the
whole story. Margaret was the daugh-
er of the lover of her youth. Elwood
Oelafield, who had married an italian
woman while studying abroad. Both
parents were dead. Margaret told her.
nd the friends of her father in the
american colony in Rome had advised
Ter to come to America, where there
we're many opportunities to add to her
lender income.
Mrs ST John said impulsively to
Iargaret; Come home with me
ear. knew your father very well
nd 1 must know his daughter, too"
At dinner she watched the girl re-
ectively Every tone in her voice {
Tas full of memories. Long they
alked that evening in Mrs. st. Johns !
luxurious room. "Stay with me. dear. ]
am a lonely woman. We will see
bout cultivating that glorious voice" I
nd she held her in her arms and /
Used her goodnight Ic
Margaret DelafieId went away full
f delightful dreams of rosy future.
rou coIId Deople say Mrs. St John