The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-03-02
ENGAGED PRO TEN
Copyright, 1918. by the Mcclure
NEWSPAPER Synd!cate).
BY DOROTHY DOUGLAS.

(Copywright, 1913. by the Mcclure
Newspaper Syndicate).
Would you mind very much Miss
Meade, IL | asked you to become en-
gagged to me-" Georgopulo had
leaned forward from among his
steamer rugs the better to look
straight at his companion.
Anne Mead's start OF surprise
brought a whimsical smile to the
Greeks eyes. 1t did not, however,
conceal the seriousness of his APP
Anne laughed. The ship was only
four days out toward Naples. Five
DAYS before she and the man al her
side had been strangers.
You are, Of course. joking" she
queried.
'No-I think / have never been
more serious in my life." Georgopulo
told her. and sat back in his steamer
chair.
Anne drew in sharp little breath,
but the smile still lowered about her
lips She was silent for a moment
But you have surely seen this
she said, and dragged the glove
from her left hand, Il am already
spoken for" she ended, with
laugh, for somehow the situation did
not seen SSt4uuSs
That la exactly the reason I have
asked you, Georgopulo Ssaid. He
leaned forward again in his chair
and looked frankly into AuHes eyes,
"that-and because / think you are a
genuinely good sport. You and /
have spent the greater part of four
days together. You would trust me
under all circumstance knew
Anne's eyes had grown serious.
ri irAf-
tate friendship" she said Then she
laughed whole heartedly And
Auntie is as fond of you as 7 am
Georgopulo acknowledged her trih-
ute with a smile.
Then 'auntie' shall be taken into
our confidence l viii tell her that
We are engaged-and why
Aunt Edith will be wiser than !
am Anne remarked.
II will inform YOU" said the Greek
His smile was peculiarly boyish and
appealing Anne was more or less
glad that her heart was not hers to
lose. Il have asked you TO pose as
my betrothed TO save me from the
fathers uncles and brothers who have
manageable females in their fam
lilies. If l am engaged l will cease
TO be prey. II not, the moment I
step into my native country / will
whose dover will be expected to
tempt me into matrimony." 6eorg-
opulo's fine brows drew together. His
voice had taken on a hint of anger.
1T is obnoxious. abominable, that the
girls OF our country should be praCti-
cally bought and sold. | am a splen-
did mark because / have built up
successful business in New York.
Business demands that I go 10 Tur-
II nr a n
bacco, and naturally stop in Pa
tras to see my parents" Georgopulo
laughed whimsically. But my trip
is always entirely spoiled by this cie-
ment of marriage" He stopped speak
ing and Anne laughed merrily
You poor boy" she exclaimed,
but / think l understand. Other
continentals have told me the Same
thing. | am only too glad to help
you" She held out her engagement
ring. at is sufficiently dazzling to
attract attention, isn't il? But you
must begin Immediately by calling
me Anne Milton. she said
You are a better sport even than
L thought, Anne" laughed the Greek
He stopped suddenly and turned to
her. do you realize that it means
you will have to come TO my faith
er's house and have dinner and be
presented as my future Wife"
II accept all the accessories of be-
ing engaged, gladly" said Anne.
Aunt Edith and / are on pleasure
bent and it does not matter whether
we go first to Athens and Patras or
to Rome" She looked straight into
his eyes with more or less mocking
expression. only please remember,
Mr.-Milton--that you are in love
with me-
And please remember Miss-Anne
that you are in love with me-" re-
torted Georgopu1o. A sudden silence
fell between them. then quickly a
laugh followed. simultaneously they
exclaimed:
I'VE must break the news to Aunt
Edith"