The Ozark spectator., 1917-02-17
LOVE Is BLIND
By OLIVE ROBERTS BARTON

DICK anXiouSly.
 She looked at him pensively a mo- l ment. then answered, '1 was just won- dering if l do really love you better than anyone else in the world" He was silent q minute, then. Don't you think" he said slowly, that you'd better decide pretty soon, dear. The i invitations are out for our wedding and we've already received some presents"
 She nodded gravely. 'I haven't for { gotten Dickie. Only I was thinking that after We were married what if I should meet some one I liked better than you? Wouldn't 1t be terrible"
 Tt would!"
 You see, Dick, I got to thinking today. I've been out of school but a few months and I've known only a few men. of course dear. you were the only man in the world for me from the first, but after all, how do know that you are the only man for me? I might think so and then when it's too late find there's some one else"
 Dick shivered. '"This is horrible, Gloria. Are you sure you feel quite well? You've had too much worry and fussing over your rousseau and it's got on your nerves"
 But Gloria was firm. "It isn't just a fancy, Dickie dear. I'm sure it will come out all right and I'm positive I could never care for anyone but you you're so-so darling, but I want to make sure and I have a plan that will set things right. I know, if every one will only agree to it.''
 What Is it?' anxiously. "For mother to take me away some where for two weeks where I'll meet oceans of people so I can look them over. Then I'll know, dear when I see all those other men that no one is so splendid as my own Dick. Don't you think it's a good plan?"
 "No, I don't he declared instantly. Gloria's mother looked astonished but finally agreed. "I believe it's just what the child needs,' she admitted
 But Dick, when he heard it, went through terrible torments and racked his brains for preventative or cure. Then he thought of something of col lege days when he was a star perform CT of the Mask and Wig club and he smiled wisely
 "Well mix things up bit" said Gloria's mother "Some land, some sea, and few other things thrown in Baltimore first, then down the bay to Old Point, and across the Roads to Norfolk. After that it will probably be Boston by boat then to Albany by rail and down the Hudson to New York.
 Gloria was in high spirits when. af- ter day of shopping in Baltimore, they took a taxi to the docks and got on their boat.
 It was then that the stranger put in an appearance. He was about Dicks height and build and had eyes not un- like Glorias fiance, but he also had a manner. and a mustache. and n way of brushing his smooth black hair that was most distinguished.
 When Gloria first saw him walking across the salon with the air of n nobleman, she instantly compared him with Dick. to the detriment of her be- loved's independent stride and his re- belious thatch of curly brown locks.
 To her surprise and joy she found the splendid looking stranger next to her at dinner and in few minutes they were talking.
 From that time on he scarcely left Gloria's side. That evening on the boat they sat up until midnight watching the moon and stars and talking of many things. Mir. Tavenner had been everywhere and knew many interest ing people and things, as he had said. She must try to remember them all to tell Dick. Dick was quiet and unin- clined to talk-how she wished he could be entertaining like this.
 The next morning he left the boat with them saw that they got the right car to Old Point Comfort. relieved Mrs. Haworth of the annoyance of her lug gage and engaged rooms. He took them over the fort, having procured special permission, showed them over n battle ship, escorted them back to their boat, and thereafter during the trip while Gloria's mother was unable to leave
 
 her cabin most of the way to Boston he took very excellent care of the bride-elect.
 And then there was Boston itself. where he showed them around for two days. and after that he was even per suaded to go as far as Albany. But in- stead of taking the boat to New York he bade them reluctant good-by and disappeared.
 Dick met the travellers at the sta ton.
 Well. dearest" he asked Gloria when they were alone, 'did you meet anyone you can care for more than me?"
 "No, dear, didn't, but there was one man who was lovely to me all through the trip, and do you know, had feel ing that if it hadn't been for you l should have chosen him for my hus-