Smyrna times., 1917-03-28
Love IS Blind
BY OLIVE ROBERTS BARTON


ne was silent minute, then, 'Don't
you think" he said slowly, "that you'd
oetter decide pretty soon, dear. The
invitations are out for our wedding and
we've already received some presents"
She nodded gravely. 81 haven't for
gotten Dickie. Only 1 was thinking
tnat after we were married what if I
should meet some one liked better
than you? Wouldn't it be terrible!"
"It would"
lou see, Dick, I got to thinking
today. I've been out of school hut q
few months and I've known onlv a few
men. OF course, dear, you were the
only man in the world for me from
the nrst, but after all, how do know
that you are the only man for me?
might think so and then when it's too
late ind 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
1usslng over your trousseau and it's
got on your nerves."
But Gloria was firm. "It isn't inst a
fancy, Dickie dear. I'm sure II will
come out all right and I'm positive 1
could never care for anyone but YOU
you're $3.50 darling, but 1 want to
make sure and I have plan that will
set things right, know, if every one
will only agree to it,"
what is it?" anxiously.
For mother to take me awav some
whCre for two weeks where I'll meet
oceans of people so 1 can look them
over. Then I'll know, dear, when 1 see
all those other men that no one is so
splendid as my own Dick. Don't you
think It's a good plan?"
mo, don't" he declared instantly.
GlOria's mother looked astonished
but finally agreed. 81 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
er of the Mask and Wig club and he
smiled wisely.
"We1l mix things up a 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 1t 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 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 un-
like Gloria's fiance, but he also had a
manner, and a mustache, and way of
brushing his smooth black hair that
was most distinguished.
When Gloria first saw him walking
across the salon 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.
To her surprise and joy she found
the splendid looking stranger next to
her at dinner and In a 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. Mr.. Tavenner had beer
: everywhere and knew many interest
ing people and things, as he had salo
she must try to remember them all t
tell Dick. Dick was quiet and unin
} cllned to talk-how she wished n
: could be entertaining like this.
The next morning he left the boa
with them, saw that they got the rlgn
car to Old Point Comfort, relieved MfS
Haworth of the annoyance OF her lug
, qage and engaged rooms. He took theI
D over the fort, having procured specla
. narmission. showed them over Dattle
4 shin. escorted them back to their Doa
r and thereafter during the trip whli
. Gloria's mother was unable TO leav
her cabin most of the way to Bosto
no took very excellent care OF IN
bride-elect. A.,
And then there was Boston ltsei
where he showed them around Tor I"
{ days. and after that he was even pc
suaded to go as far as Albany. But Il
stead of taking the boat to New Hol
= he bade them a reluctant good-Dy al
. disappeared. :.
= Dick met the travellers at the ST
a. tiOn. c,or
: "wen. dearest" he asked Glor
- when they were alone, "did you me
= anyone you can care for more tn'
ID me?' =
- "No. dear, I didn't, but there was Q
!. man who was lovely to me all tnrou
"a the trip, and DO you know, hao a Ie
= ing that If it hadn't been 1or you
should have chosen him for my NJ
band. In some way he reminded
very much Of you-I never could gu
:. explain it, for he was very ulsl
N