A vast emptiness pervaded his life.

He smoked more and more and ate less and less.

He even disliked to see others eat, particularly Kerns.
And one exquisite May morning he came down to breakfast and found the unspeakable Kerns immersed in grapefruit, calm, well balanced, and bland.
"How-de-dee, dear friend ?" said that gentleman affably.

"Any news from Cupid this beautiful May morning ?" "No; and I don't want any," returned Gatewood, sorting his mail with a scowl and waving away his fruit.
"Tut, tut! Lovers must be patient.

Dearie will be found some day--" "Some day," snarled Gatewood, "I shall destroy you, Tommy." "Naughty! Naughty!" reflected Kerns, pensively assaulting the breakfast food.