Pauline Frederick : on and off the stage (1940)

Half-Century Mark 185 Those who have never known the emotional depths can never appreciate the emotional heights. At least there is this to be said for such incidents — they bring happiness to those who experience the glow, and to give happiness even though in small quantities as life is traversed, is something to be grateful for. Neither money nor position can buy it. It is so often the little unimportant things in life that build up a feast of happy memories that console when troubles pile up. Never having placed herself upon a pedestal, Pauline herself loved these little deeds of homage from her public, believing that so often in their spontaneity there was a great depth of sincerity. There are, of course, those who seek autographs and photographs merely to add them to a rather stupid collection and flatter their own ego before their friends. There are others, however, who are irresistibly drawn towards certain personages upon the stage. Sometimes these things go very deep and bring the very breath of life to someone. There was one such incident in Pauline's life that came to mean something very beautiful to her because it was an example of such unselfish loyalty. It concerned a little school teacher living in the East. For over twenty years she had had such a deep admiration for Pauline that she followed every movement of her career. Perhaps it began as a hobby that brought a certain brightness into a life that was rather monotonous. But it grew into something that was far greater. Not until the last few years of her life did Pauline know anything about it. Her first intimation of it was on an opening night when she received a card with a very beautiful sentiment on it and inside was a four-leaf clover. As all artists are superstitious to a certain extent, she regarded this as a good omen. The card bore no signature but just the words: " From your spirit friend." Thereafter, on every opening night or anniversary