Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1901-03-05
CHAPTER II.

llle power VI certain enemies, Is 10 grant
her an honorable divorce.
CHAPTER II.
Richard Somers recntered the office
of DR.. Brodnar as the clock was strik-
ing ten. He was in full evening dress
and wore a white rose, Lamarque,
upon his lapel. AS he stood drawing
on his gloves Brodnar regarded him
with silent admiration The straight
military figure of good height looked
taller than it had. There was no sug-
geston of heaviness at any point, but
behind the perfect lines lay, as he
knew, an amount Of strength and
nervous force that would with refrain
ing rank their owner among the ath-
letes. But fine as was the framework of
the man and his physical development,
there was in the face, Swallowed at the
moment by broad, housekeeping
lashes and mustache, patrician ele-
gance, native refinement and innate
nobility that commanded undivided
attention. The slightly aquiline fea-
lures were softened by arched and
evenly matched brows and an express
sion indescribable by any other term
than that invented by Paris friend
THE Somers smile" One never ap-
preciated the value of that smile un-
til in some moment of emotion the
face which wore it grew white and
straight, and the level gaze of the
man was encountered. Above a white,
inclined forehead hair almost black
lay in waves, but SO closely as to leave
visible the outlines of the splendid
head. Such was Richard Somers at
%, man raved over by women, en-
We'd by men, known to but few.
1T is better this way" he was say
| ing of himself; "a man owes something
to his family and his bride in the mat
ter of dress, even though he is not to
see or be seen. And he owes great
deal to himself BY the way, l as.
| sumed that / am not to be seen-how.
ever, is that one of the questions must
not ask?"
"Your face is not to be seen, Dick
except in the dark-dimly. But I am
| glad, nevertheless, that you selected
| your dress suit; it does seem more in
taste. BY the way-speaking Of Ray.
mond Holbin-Dick, have you forgot.
ten that he dated from this state in the
army? God knows where he wa:
born. see him occasionally in Rich
mond, and" - Brodnar paused and
looked curiously on his companion
1 AN 4.
somethinr ret' ,lplike- in -xa.,l. .aer<n9ia
fellow, but, between you and me, Their,
isn't more unprincipled rascal un
hung" Somer's face flushed once ant
the smile left it. He replied with som,
constraint:
Il did not know that he ever favored
Richmond with his presence. did
know, however, that he once lived in
| this state. His was a preside entail an.
polntment. His mother years ago
welded considerable influence around
Washington, especially among sena-
tors. AS to the likeness, it has been
commented on before, and 1 once
fought boy at school for discovering
the fact. Does he make Richmond his
home?"
"of late, yes. But 1 see that you are
annoyed. My dear fellow, very ugly
people may resemble very handsome
ones. Shall we start?"
II am ready"
This bandage," said Brodnar.
seems to imply doubt of you, Dick.
put believe me it has its proper use.
In the future, If accident should con-
front you with the-woman, neither of
you Will be embarrassed. She will, it
is true, know your name, but unless she
should look you up in days to come she
VIII never see your face. Is that COM
Portable yes? Well, moment and
we are gone. Your hand. my friend,
now, and your word of honor. You
Will not look on this woman's face. nor
seek in any way to discover from her,
from me. or from anyone aught that
am seeking to conceal; under all cir
cumstances you will yourself conceal
from everyone the facts of this nights
business; and you accept the woman
to whom we go as 20, life with all
the limitations haveo ned. know
that in your own heart YOU are re-
solved, but the honor of woman is at
stake, and you must promise me as
man to man"
AS man to man, then, and upon the
honor of Richard Somers, promise.
Lead on!" The chance passer-by who
saw blindfolded man led from the
elegant apartments Of DR.. Francis
Brodnar was not surprised. The ex-
pianation was easy. But somers him
self was distinctly surprised at the
length Of the ride and the number of
corners turned. 1t seemed to him that
the carriage traversed more than once
the same road, for in spite of himself
he could not but take notice of such
things. DR.. Brodnar deserted the drift
of his thoughts.
For man to note the direction Of
a journey" he said, lis natural, an
almost automatic, action Of the brain
cells-an inheritance from both animal
and human ancestry. Therefore, Dick.
II have sought to confuse you by nv
queer route, it is only through dis
trust OF the original and savage
somers. and to save all parties embar-
rassment. trust few people. Here
we are at last" Dismounting, he led
his companion on pavement, through
a narrow gateway, the gate of which
ne unlocked, along a gravel walk with
Shruobery on both sides for about 60