The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-02-13
EVENING STORY
Love Is Blind.

Dick anxiously.
She looked at him pensively a mo-
ment, then answered. 81 was just won
dering if I do really love you better
than any one else in the world"
He was silent a minute. then,
Don't you think" he said slowly.
that you'd better decide pretty soon,
dear. The invitations are out for our
wedding and we've already received
some presents"
She nodded gravely. II haven't for
gotten, Dickie. Only 1 was thinking
that after we were married what II
should meet some one liked better
than you? Wouldn't it be terrib1e!'
1T would!'
You see, Dick, l 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 l know
that you are the only man for me? L
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? 1t sounds $3.50 cold blooded.
Let's forget all about it. L adore you
and you love me, little girl-Im will
ing to stake my life on it. It's all set
tied long ago and in three weeks We'll
pe lne ndppleSt people awe GU We
had too much worry and fussing over
your trousseau and it's got on your
nerves"
But Gloria was firm. 1T isn't Just
a fancy, Dickie dear I'm sure it will
come out all right and I'm positive L
could never care for any one but you
you're 500 darling, but l want to
make sure and 1 have a plan that will
set things right, | know, if every one
will only agree to IT.
What is it?' anxiously.
For mother to take me away some
oceans Of people so 1 can look them
over. Then I'll know, dear, when l
see all those other men that no one
is so splendid as my own Dick. Don't
you think it's a good plan?"
W NO. I don't" he declared instantly
a, fiancee in the hand was worth a
dozen or two travelling at large. Gloria
was too attractive not to have scores
Of admirers and dear knows what
might happen.
Anyway, I'm going to speak to
mother about it. She can pick any
it seem more like chance in case 1
should
He put his hand gently over her
mouth. Hush, dear! 1 just can't
stand it. Go if you must, but please
don't say again that you might find
some one else
Gloria's mother looked astonished
but finally agreed. 81 believe it's Just
what the child needs she admitted
land I'll take her on little trip if she
wants to go. I rather feel the need of
a change myself"
But Dick, when he heard it, went
thru terrible torElents and racked his
brains for a preventive or cure. Then
he thought of something, of college
days when he was a star performer of
=,
wisely. And just what he did remains
to be seen.
We'll mix things up a Bit said
Gloria's mother. Some land, some
sea, and a few other things thrown in.
Baltimore first, then down the bay to
Norfolk. After that it will probably
be Boston by boat, then to Albany by
rail and down the Hudson to New
York. Why, what are you doing.
Gloria? ~
Gloria snapped shut the little white
velvet box Just putting my engage
ment ring away, mother. 1 want to be
free for awhile"
What an odd girl you are! Now
run and tell Dick where we're going
and then get Ellen to pack your bags.
Well leave early in the morning.
Gloria was in high spirits when
after a day of shopping in Baltimore
they took a taxi to the docks and got
on their boat.
1t was then that the stranger put
in an appearance. He was about
Dicks height and build and had eyes
not unlike Gloria's fiance, but he also
had a manner. and a mustache, and
a way of brushing his smooth black
hair that was most distinguished
When Gloria first saw him walking
across the saloon with the air of a
nobleman, she instantly compared him
with Dick, to the detriment of her be-
loved's independent stride and his re-
bellious thatch of curly brown locks.
And she wished Dick wore glasses
what an air they gave a man. She
was going to insist that he try them
when she got home.
To her surprise and joy she found
the splendid looking stranger next to
her at dinner and in a few minutes
they were talking. Gloria's mother
looked up with disapproval. but when
the man smiled amiably and said, Il
hear you are from Beverly and as I've
been there feel sure We have mutual
friends 1 visited the Draymores-met
them in Paris one year" Mrs. Ha-
worth beamed at once. The Dray-
mores were the people in Beverly and
any one who knew them was all right.
Yes she assented, the Draymores
are old friends of ours-we've known
them for years."
And feeling that she had done her
duty she left the young people to
themselves and discussed whist with
the old lady on her left.
You've taken this trip before?"
asked Gloria, thrilling at her neigh
boris evident interest
MANY times, and I'd love to show
you the points of interest 1 have dis
covered"
From that time on he scarcely left
Gloria's side. That evening on the
boat they sat up until midnight watch
ing the moon and stars and talkir g
of many things. Mr.. Tavenner had
been everywhere and knew many in