Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1913-06-07
POLLY WAS A BRICK
Fell in Love With Rich Son and
Then Married the Butler.
sv W. p. ouAvLE.

remember we'll the day when Mr.
James came home and told his moth
err that he was engaged to be married
was butler then at the Stacey place
They we're not what you would call
well-born; myself I'D call II rich-born.
They had piles Of money, and besides
myself there we're . first and second
man, to say nothing OF the maids and
Mrs. Simmons, the housekeeper.
James Stacey had been his mothers
idol He had inherited all her pride,
and he had her obstinacy top, and
more. SO when / heard of 1t knew
there would be a battle royal between
them. You see, knew the young
woman. Polly Ryland was one OF the
smartest girls in old Stacey's perfum-
cry department. You know, he died
before the department store was as
large as IL is now, but II went on just
the same and prospered, though young
Mr.. Stacey seldom went near 1t until
he accidentally met Polly there.
She was the prettiest thing-a coun-
try girl, small, vivid, as you might
call it, with deep gray eyes and mass
of red hair. Pretty red, sir, not car
roty.like That hair goes with a tenn
per. they say, but sometimes they're
wrong. | guess.
James Stacey had never been In love
before. He was quiet, studious chap,
a good deal of book-worm, and
good deal of a snob. l overheard him
telling his mother about Miss Ryland.
well, my dear James," she said in
her stately way, "if your heart has
spoken to you l shall not interfere,
provided the young lady is worthy OF
you. And / must say it will take
good deal of character, not to speak OF
worldly emoluments"-that was the
word she used-"to be worthy of you.
Can | guess, James? 1t is not one OF
the Sanger girls?"
mo, mother" said Mr.. James, very
subdued.
Then one of those charming daugh-
tiers of Mrs. Lucas? No? Well,
James, | will cease guessing. Who Is
she?"
Her name is Miss Mary Rylands,"
said Mr.. James. "She works"
Works, james,"
I'm the perfumery department OF
our store"
Mrs. Stacey burst out laughing.
You are very amusing, my dear
boy" she said.
Amusing or not, mother. am go
ing to marry her." said James Stacey,
and then the battle was on But that
was all l heard that day, because !
dared not wait any longer.
He'll marry her." said Mrs. Sim
mons when told her that evening.
And a good thing too. It'll be the
making of him. He isn't man yet
he's a ninny."
Seems to me she's too good for Mr.
James," said Louise, the first house
maid. Most any girl would be-"
Hold your tongue and don't be
speaking unexpectedly of your bet
ters," cried Mrs Simmons, who is
English, angrily.
1t was about five days after that
that Mr.. James won the first battle of
the war. He brought Miss Ryland up
to the house and l was fortunate
enough to be In the dining room when
Mrs. Stacey swept down to receive
her. She wouldn't have her in her
sacred reception room-I suppose she
thought she would steal something.
"Humph!" she said. looking at her
through her lorgnette. $50 you are
the young woman whom my son wish
es to marry!"
Yes, Mrs. Stacey" answered Miss
Polly demurely. should have thought
her looks would have softened any.
body's heart, but not hers.
James, you may leave u.s." said his
mother, and James, who knew when to
yield, left the room submissively.
caught the look of surprise upon Miss
Polly's face.
Now, my dear young woman" said
Mrs. Stacey, dropping her airs, 'let US
have a frank talk. William!"
Williams me, and that meant
wasn't meant to hear. But did hear.
Eavesdrop? Not a bit of 1t, sir.
was uncorking wine in the back dining
room beside the dumb-waiter, and II /
overheard that was no fault of mine.
Il understand that my son wishes
to marry you." Mrs. Stacey says. Il
suppose you wish to marry my SOM"
| didn't hear Miss Polly's answer
1T would be a great change from
your present mode of life." said Mrs.
Stacey scornfuliy, land let me say
that you never will marry James. Now
don't misunderstood me. or course.
if you two choose to elope l cannot
prevent It. but the property is mine
absolutely and If you marry him not a
penny will go to him. Is II worth while
to ruin his life? Remember, am a
woman of my word. | never have
changed and | never will change.
Nowl"
I couldn't hear the answer, but
heard the rising note In Miss Polly's