Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1924-04-25
GOLDEN BEADS
Ey MOLLIE MATHER
(@, 1928. Western Newspaper Union,

1 1ELE 1lNE sat DeIOre the sitting
room fire, gazing, unseeing, at the
golden crystal beads which hung pend
ant from her throat. Delphine was
very lonely; she had been alone since
Aunt Delphine's death, with but an oc-
casional visit from some passing rela-
tive
Jerold had given to her these shin
ing beads during the first years of
their engagement; it seemed she had
always been betrothed to Jerod. He
had been her girlish ideal of manli-
ness, and when Jerold had begged her
promise to marry him some day." she
had thought her happiness complete.
1t had pleased the girl to display for
her lovers commendation, her house
keeping skill; her reward--the glow of
appreciation in his handsome eyes.
Then, intruding upon their happiness,
came flattering business offer to
Jerold from far city.
1t was during her lovers first alb
sence that he had sent her the golden
beads. And as his business success
became known in the little home town
Delphine's friends would ask, "And
now, my dear, when Is the wedding
day to beY
Delphine could not answer them;
Jerold, at first eager in his anticipa-
tion Of this happy climax, had, of late,
forgotten. Or was he Indifferent? Del
phine, faithful always, would not ad-
NIT Indifference, even to herself. How
could it be, after all the years of wait
ing; of silent, patient devotion that
she had given?
Many social evenings had Delphine
foregone because the Jerold of those
first happy days could brook no other
escort. Cousin Matilda came, as she
waited now in the fire light; Cousin
Matilda wished to accept Delphine's
hospitality, while she attended the
seasons musicale of the Fairmont
Country club. The violinist who had
been persuaded to play was known in
the great outside world, and she did
not wish to miss the privilege of the
performance.
Lawrence FOntaine came at the re-
quest of his friend, former college
friend, now the president of the Fair
mont club.
Matilda had graciously invited Del
phine to attend the concert as her
guest. Matilda came in, rustic of
silk, and helped Delphine to make
ready the small tea table. The rain
was falling in torrents as she fastened
to respond to a summons at the front
door. A strange man stood there;
raindrops fell from the brim Of his hat
to the violin case he carried under his
arm.
~ beg pardon" the man said. II
have in some manner missed Mr.. VIII
mot Of the Country club, at the sta
tion. he was to meet me, but I could
find no taxi and the solitary passen-
ger to alight from the evening train.
1 am Fontaine, the violinist Could
you direct me to Mr. Wilmots homer
Matilda had followed her cousin to
the door. "Now, how unfortunate"
she said. II happen to know that Mr..
Wilmot was called unexpectedly to
the city. His agent must have care
lessly missed you. May we not per-
suade you to accept our hospitality, in
his absence? Evening dinner is ready
and we shall be delighted In the
honor"
Delphine's winsome smile seconded
the invitation, and the noted musician
accepted gratefully. They went later,
in the belated taxi sent by the COM
mittee, to the clubhouse, and Delphine
sat as one enthralled while the vio-
linist's music echoed through the hall.
The thrill remained, when later, Law
renee Fontaine returned to Delphine's
home and sat talking until late hour.
The following morning he came from
Mr. Wilmot's home to take a walk
with Delphlne through the autumn
wood. And at evening they fingered
in the little porch that long ago had
known Jerold's presence. Dreams,
which had long been banished, shone
in Delphine's soft eyes. The musician
looked from their blue, down to the
string of golden beads with which her
fingers toyed. Then. impulsively, eager
ly, he clasped both shining chain and
trembling fingers.
"If," said Lawrence Fontaine, Il
might but bind you to me with this
chain-bind you forever-that you
must go with me everywhere-then
should be lonely no more, Delphine,
nor ever longing"
Strange that his abrupt words
brought no surprise; strange that his
voice brought again poignantly the
sweet thrill his music had awakened.
Marry me-" the man entreated:
"our future years together will be like
golden beads upon the chain Of life,
my Delphinei"
She stood, recalling her past years
Of disillusionment.
1--WE gather golden beads" said Del
phine, ito wear for a necklace, and
the chain breaks-it breaks"
Marry me. dearest! !" insisted the
musician. He took her into his arms
Those who had complained OF
Jerold's neglect now sympathized In
his apparent desertion. ITO think"
said Fairmont, 'of Delphine going