Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1917-04-26
LOVE IS BLIND
BY OLIVE ROBERTS BARTON

what is the matter, GlOria?" asked
Dick anxiously.
She looked at him pensively mo-
ment, then answered, 81 was just won
dering if l do really love you better
than anyone else in the world"
He was silent 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 l was thinking
that after we were married what if l
should meet some one l liked better
than you? Wouldn't it be terrible"
at would"
"Gou see, Dick, I got to thinking
today. I've been out of school but
few months and I've known only few
men. Of course, dear, you were the
only man in the world for me from
the first, but after ALL how do 1 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
We'll? You've had too much worry and
fussing over your trousseau and it's
got on your nerves."
But Gloria was firm. at isn't just
fancy, Dickie dear. I'm sure it will
come out all right and I'm positive 1
could never care for anyone but you-
you're $3.50 darling, but l want to
make sure and have 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 Lean look them
over. Then I'll know, dear, when | see
all those other men that no one is so
splendid as my own Dick. Don't you
think it's good plan?'
"NO, don't" he declared instantly.
GIoria'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 star perform
er of the Mask and Wig club and he
smiled wisely.
"Wrll mix things up a Bit" said
Glorias 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 II day of shopping in Baltimore,
they took taxi to the docks and got
on their boat.
1t was then that the stranger put in
nm appearance. He was about Dicks
height and build aud had eyes not un-
like Gloria's tiance, but he also had
manner, and musrache, and a 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 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 or
many things. Mr.. 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 unln-
clincd 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 battle
ship. escorted them back to their boat,
and thereafter during the trip while
Glorias 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 ana
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-
band. In some way he reminded me
very much of you'll never could quite
explain it, for he was very distin-
guished and knew such lot of things"
innocently.
"Thank you!"
"But I've quite decided, dear, that
you are the only man I can ever really
care about, so it's all right
Dick kissed her fervently.
That night Dick slipped a wig and
mustache into the fire. II kept the
others away at any rate" he eXulted.