South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-11-30
BY MARTHA GAIsER.


To Lucille Virginia Cranston, life
had always been a joke, but the
kind of joke that was a JOY TO all
who knew her well, for no condition
ever arose in which she could not
find some humor. or offset with the
antidote of a clever bright remark.
While she went her gay happy way.
refusing TO take anything seriously.
the serious minded shook their
heads and prophecied disaster, and
a rude awakening when it did come.
And Lucille Virginia. when she
learned Of 1t, enjoyed their predic-
lions, and her reputation-enjoyed
IL, INDUCED it, and play ed up TO Il
with all the vigOr and darlnS OF
abe Jndiug youth Even when the
dark finger Of war pointed 10 ev-
cry American his duty; and reia-
tiyes, friends and sweethearts re-
sbOnded, she had talked of their go
ing and finally said goodbye with
a smile and a gay little sally, pic
turing the Sad, proud day Of their
return, instead of shedding tears as
were most of her friends.
Not even 10 the two men whose
devotion for months had furnished
speculation Cor her friends as TO
which would win her, if either had
she wavered. Pride and natural 60
Guetry had kept her silent, though
to a close observer the big blue
gray eyes had a seriousness quite
unrelated to the light words and
laugh. for in her heart she felt that
life had become very real and earn
est all at once; so real thai she did
not want any sentimental emotion
10 play a part and betray her or
them into "a false position. There
are two kinds of lovers, those who
make love easily and gracefully, and
those who do not; that is TO say
those 10 whom woOing is a natural
rift. and those who only acquire IT
gs the outgrowth OF a deep feeling
Such were James Moore and War
rem Fielding, and how much they
had meant in her life. and what
they really were TO her. she knew
only absence could determine. That
would be the acid test. In the
weeks and months follow ing their
departure, life was turned quite up
side down for Lucille Virginia. With
the zeal of a true patriot she had
thrown herself heart and soul into
war work. Outside sports were
abandoned for Red Cross work;
dancing was supplanted by knitting;
boxes Of good things were made.
packed and shipped with letter Of
cheer TO the known and unknown,
and all the while she was thinking.
thinking. Lucille Virginia was doing
this now. her knitting neglected in
her lap as she gazed into the leaping
flames OF the open wood fire. Won
dering how long it would take her
box 10 reach James. and II he would
read between the lines OF her note
and divine her motive in sending the
candy with it. II only he would see
and understand. she unused. visual
ling him at his post.
Dreaming in the cleaning, pref
~ maid said the CHEEKY voice OF
Uncle Charles. as he slipped his
hand under her chin and tilted her
head back
ct did not hear you como in" she
replied. rising for his kiss, but ig-
noring his query except with a sud
den access Of color.
Did YOU mail my package she
asked. as she turned on the lights
and seated herself beside him on the
davenport
Yes. but I HOOverized on post
age" he announced laughing.
How" she asked puzzled.
Well. / sent IL TO Warren. as Il
i cost so much 20 send II out west 10
James. and as long as IL was only