The Butler County press. [volume] (Hamilton, Ohio) 1900-1946, 1931-01-30
Jade Earrings
Told on Her
By HELEN ST. BERNARD
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8 5
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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DOR twenty-five years the annual
ball at "Strathmore School for
Girls" had been the big event; then
all the cadets from the nearby military
academy came in their colOrful uni
forms of French blue; then sweet
hearts, fathers and mothers from
home.
Tonight the college was in readi-
ness for that day of days-tomorrow
AT her window at the far end of the
second floor hall Sally Cole, teacher
of English and literature, sat looking
out over the rolling campus bathed in
a soft silver moonlight. Twenty years
ago she had been a girl of Strathmore
and had been thrilled at the prospects
of the annual ball. She, too, had had
her party dress-a white voile with
lace-edged ruffies around the bottom.
And it was twenty years ago tonight
that the waltz and two-step had sound
ed out over the campus until the wee
hours of the morning, and Sally Cole
had danced nine dances with the tall
blond cadet in blue; had walked with
him beneath the oaks In the moonlight,
and eaten her ice cream and cake with
him behind the palms in the gymna-
stun. He had liked her white dress,
but most of all, he had liked her jade
eln re n
dull gold, falling almost to her Shout
ders. He had said jade was his ia
vorite color. And he had kissed her
that night and said he would come
back.
Sally had never left Strathmore
Following her graduation she had been
placed on the faculty. And she was
smilingly tolerant of the whispered
consultations long after the quiet bell
had\rung. They were young, and only
once she argued to herself.
She moved to her dressing table to
arrange her hair when a dark, slender
girl came in, radiant in coral chiffon
frock.
scarum and rules meant little to her.
Sally knew of the happy-go-lucky ia
ther who was seldom home long
enough to get acquainted with his
lovely, motherless daughter. Alice
showed her letters from Africa, Asia,
Central America and recently, from
Egypt.
az thought I'd find you dressing for
the dance, Miss Sally, dear. Alex is
here, and ] don't know what to do
with him."
"Alex?" queried Sally. (which one
of the swains is Alex?"
"AleA is my father. He landed in
New York this morning"
"Oh, | am glad he Is your father.
thought 1t might be another admirer
arriving in addition to the three al
ready here. Aren't you happy to see
| your fatherf"
"Oh, yes" drawled the girl. But
| hardly know Alex. He is good Old
scout, but such vagabond! But do
declare, Miss Sally, dear, don't know
what | shall do with him with Bobby
and Hank and Earl to look after"
"Well, my dear, do not neglect your
father. You are all he has, you know
Let the boys shift for themselves
Sally smiled, with the despairing
wisdom Of youth.
ALEX Is lecturing me something
fierce for having my hair shingled
Says he likes old-fashioned girls. Oh
Miss Sally, let me do your hair. Part
it in the middle and coil 1t low on your
neck Please. Miss Sally. F. An6
you should have earrings"
Sally Cole smiled at herself in the
mirror an hour later. Her usually
sleek hair was softened over the ears
and coiled low on her neck. Her dress
was white lovely soft silken thing
she had bought in New York. Sally
always had a white dress. For sec
ond her hand toyed with the jade ear.
rings in her jewel case. Twenty years
ago tonight she had worn those ex
quisite things and then she
was fastening them in her ears.
AS she joined the other members OF
the faculty Alice Wayne spied her and
came across the floor holding fast te
the hand of big blond man.
Miss Cole, Alex. And Miss Sally
this Is my father"
He looked straight into Sally's eyes
questioning gaze. He smiled at hel
as he took her hand In his and witt
the other hand, he touched the earring
that nearly reached to her shoulder.
Earrings of Jade white
dress Strathm0re and