Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1912-07-02
LUCILLE
DECIDES
A Case where the Best
Nan Won


gers had been trying to make up her
mind which man she would marry.
Within a week the two men who had
paid her marked attention since she
had met them, when first she came
to visit Aunt Amelia in September,
had each asked her to marry him.
Henry Clayton, cashier Of the
bank, who Occupied a prominent so
cial position in the town, had sent
Lucille beautifully written letter,
straightforward and manly, in which
he set forth his ambition to become
president of the bank, his present in
come and future prospects.
He told her that, Notwithstanding
the difference in their ages, for he
was twelve years her senior, he had
never loved before.
He would be honored to make a
woman Of Der beauty, grace and ex-
emplary character his VIE.
Hugh Clark was just one year
older than Lucille, an electrical en-
gineer, and at that time superin-
tendent Of the light plant.
Hugh could not boast of COL
lege education. Ever since he was
graduated from high school the
world had been his training school.
By hard work, study and persistence
he had made his way in the world,
winning his position purely on the
merit of his work
Lucille admired and respected Mr..
Clayton as a young girl would look
up to an older man. Clayton was a
city-bred man, possessing all the
polished manners of a son of society.
Clark, resembling a diamond in the
rough, lacked the polish of his rival,
and was more a favorite with men
than women. Whenever Lucille
thought of him it was as a whole
souled, generous boy, congenial
comrade-one whom she could trust
to the uttermost; whereas, with
Clayton, she was sometimes i'll at
ease, feeling herself an inexperienced
child in the presence of a wise man.
Aunt Amelia wanted her to marry
Clayton. He had arrived be was
the man who would give her a we'll
appointed home and an established
place in society. Besides, Clayton
had settled habits there was no dam
ger of his ever sowing any "wild
oats"
Surely, Lucille would choose the
older man and send the 'boy" about
his business,
But Lucille could not make up her
mind. She felt that she cared deep
ly for Hugh Clark, yet the glamor
of the older mans attentions was
very sweet to the young country girl.
Then, too, Hugh's hands were rough
and spoiled with work. He never
seemed to be able to get the stain of
grease and machine oil from under
his nails. They were big, strong
hands that looked larger than ever
in white gloves when he donned his
evening clothes.
Henry had long, slim, smooth
hands that scarcely touched yours
when he shook hands with you; but
Aunt Amelia said it was the little
niceties that counted for happiness
in domestic life, and Henry was so
dainty about himself.
1t was the night of the big sieet
storm, when fire broke out in one of
the italian shanties in the lower end
Of the town.
A cutting northeast wind famed
the flames, which spread with mar
velous rapidity. A dance was in full
swing in the opera house when the
bells and whistles gave the first
warning Of the fire. Men and wom-
en- both donned their overcoats and
furs and went to watch the spectacle.
Lucille was dancing with Mr.. Clay
ton when the first alarm was given.
She wanted to go at once, but he
told her it was just the dago settle
ment burning out and she had bet
ter not go out into the storm.
Lucille insisted, however, so Clay
ton brought his motor car around
and bundled her in beside him.