Great love is seldom flaunted in public, though it very often shows itself in pride—­that is a little obvious, perhaps.  There is a quality of protectiveness in a man’s expression as it falls on his betrothed, as though she were so lovely a breath might break her; and in the eyes of a girl whose love is really deep, there is always evidence of that most beautiful look of championship, as though she thought:  “No one else can possibly know how wonderful he is!”

This underlying tenderness and pride which is at the base of the attitude of each, only glints beneath the surface of perfect comradeship.  Their frank approval of whatever the other may do or say is very charming; and even more so is their obvious friendliness toward all people, of wanting the whole world beautiful for all because it is so beautiful to them.  That is love—­as it should be!  And its evidence is a very sure sign-post pointing to future happiness.

=ETIQUETTE OF ENGAGED PEOPLE=

It is unnecessary to say that an engaged man shows no attention whatever to other women.  It should be plain to every one, even though he need not behave like a moon-calf, that “one” is alone in his thoughts.

Often it so happens that engaged people are very little together, because he is away at work, or for other reasons.  Rather than sit home alone, she may continue to go out in society, which is quite all right, but she must avoid being with any one man more than another and she should remain visibly within the general circle of her group.  It always gives gossip a chance to see an engaged girl sitting out dances with any particular man, and slander is never far away if any evidence of ardor creeps into their regard, even if it be merely “manner,” and actually mean nothing at all.

=IN THE BACKWATERS OF LONG ENGAGEMENT=

Unless the engaged couple are both so young, or by temperament so irresponsible, that their parents think it best for them to wait until time is given a chance to prove the stability of their affection, no one can honestly advocate a long-delayed marriage.

Where there is no money, it is necessary to wait for better finances.  But the old argument that a long engagement was wise in that the young couple were given opportunity to know each other better, has little sense to-day when all young people know each other thoroughly well.

A long engagement is trying to everyone—­the man, the girl, both families, and all friends.  It is an unnatural state, like that of waiting at the station for a train, and in a measure it is time wasted.  The minds of the two most concerned are centered upon each other; to them life seems to consist in saying the inevitable good-by.