The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1917-04-27
Bv OLIVE ROBERTS BARTON

.ment. then answered. II was just won
Idering if / do really love you better
than anyone 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. 81 haven't for
r0tten Dickie. Only I was thinking
that after we were married what if I
should meet some one I liked better
than YOU? Wouldn't it be terrible!''
at would"
"You see, Dick, I got to thinking
today. I've been out Of school but a
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 I 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
we'll? You've had too much worry and
fussing over your trousseau and it's
got on your nerves."
But Gloria was firm. cit isn't Just a
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 I want to
make sure and I have plan that will
set things right, know, if every one
will only agree to it,"
"Nhat 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 1 see
all those other men that no one is so
splendid as my own Dick. Don't you
think it's good plan?"
NO. 1 don't" he declared instantly
Gloria's mother looked astonished
but finally agreed. Il 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 a preventative or cure.
Then he thought Of something, of col
1ege days when he was a star perform
er of the Mask and Wig club and he
smiled wisely.
well mix things up a bit" said
GlOria's mother. ''SOnIe land, some
sea, and a 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 taxi to the docks and got
on their boat
1t was then that the stranger put in
an appearance. He was about Dick s
height and build and had eyes not I'M
like Gloria's fiance, but he also had a
manner, and g mustache, 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 q
nobleman, she instantly compared him
with Dick, to the detriment Of her be-
l0yeds independent stride and his re.
bellious thatch of curly brown locks.
To her surprise and JOY she founC
the splendid looking stranger next tC
her at dinner and in few minutes
they were talking.
From that time on he scarcely lef
Glora's side. That evening on the boa
they sat up until midnight WATCHING
the moon and stars and talking O.
many things. Mr.. Tavenner had beer
everywhere and knew many interest
npOn1n h no RI
She must try to remember them all t,
tell Dick. Dick was quiet and unin
cllned to talk-hOw she wished h
could be entertaining like this.
The next morning ..e left the boa
With them, saw that they got the RICH
car to Old Point Comfort, relieved Mrs
HaWorth of the annoyance of her lug
gage and engaged rooms. He took then
over the fort. having procured specia
permission, showed them over a battle
ship, escorted them back to their boat
and thereafter during the trip Will
Nlorla'S mother was unable to leav
her cabin most of the way to BOsto
he took very excellent care of tn
Drde-elect
And then there was Boston itsel
Where he showed them around for tW
Gays, and after that he was even pc
suaded to go as far as Albany. But il
stead of taking the boat to New Yor
ne babe them a reluctant gOod-by an
disappeared.
Dick met the travellers at the st,
> ton
Well, dearest" he asked GlOri
when they were alone, "did you me-
anyone you can care for more tina
me-"
No, dear, I didn't but there was or
man who was lovely to me all thrOug
The trip, and do you know, had fee
ing that if it hadn't been for you
shoHld have chosen him for my hu
nanG: In some MaX he reminded 4