The Irish standard., 1901-08-10
4 z&SLsaess TNs.
1kPE? lINF3
4 ~ HARRY e''ANm{ E bb4xtsDs
Copyright. 1889. by J. B. Lippincott Com.
pany. All rights reserved:
CHAPTER 1L-Continued.

This bandage," said Brodnar,
'seems to imply doubt of you, Dick,
bat believe me it has its proper use.
In the future, If accident should con-
front you with the-woman, neither of
JON will be embarrassed. She will, it
u true, know your name, but unless she
should look you up in days to come she
VIII never see your face. Is that COM
fortable?-yes? Well, moment and
~ 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 I
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 your wife with all
the limitations I have outlined. Iknow
that in your own heart you are re-
solved, but the honor of woman is at
stake, and you must promise me as
uan to man."
"As man to man, then, and upon the
honor of Richard Somers, I promise.
Lead on!" The chance passer-by who
ssw blindfolded man led from the
elegant apartments of DR.. Francis
Brodnar was not surprised. The ex-
Rlanation was easy. But Somers him
self was distinctly surprised at the
length Of the ride and the number of
corners turned. It 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
. Journey" he said, sis natural, an
almost automatic, action of the brain
oells-an inheritance from both animal
and human ancestry. Therefore, Dick,
II I have sought to confuse you by my
queer route, it is only through dis
trust of the original and savage
osmers, and to save all parties embar-
rsssment. I trust few people. Here
we are at last" Dismounting, he led
his companion on pavement, through
. narrow gateway, the gate of which
he Unlocked, along gravel walk with
Ghrubbery on both sides for about 60
PAGES, up two stone steps to door that
had neither bell nor knocker, and into
woman's room.
How weak is human invention.
Richard Somers gathered these facts
without mental effort from small
signs. The football upon the pave
ment, the search for the key, the
clicking lock, the crowding, the gravel
under foot, the touch of shrubbery,
two steps at the door, and the indie
Enable air of every lady's room-the
faint. blended odor of powders, toilet
waters and pressed flowers. That it
was the room of a refined woman he
Was sure in advance. Had he not
been, there was the deep carpet into
which his feet sank noiselessly.
And it was plain that he had come
into garden from side street, since
NO residence would have opened from
a woman's room into walk that led
directly to a main street.
Here, then, was a woman who lived
upon first fioor with private gar
den at her disposal. He had heard
the gentle FLASHING of water outside;
there was fountain in this garden.
On the morrow he had but to walk
the city until lie found the premises,
ii he would So much for the secrecy
of his friend Brotlnar!
by this time Richard Somers was a
deeply interested man. Despite his
resolution to carry off the affair
lightly, he began to feel the presence
of something like a tragedy. Where
was the woman who was to make use
OF him blindly .and go through the
form of marriage? Dinly at first
perhaps as matter of logic, he was
conscious that she was in the room
and near him. Then without more
reason he became certain Of it. The
room was not dark, for he felt light
upon his bandaged eyes. Instinetive.
" he stretched. out his hand.
Then there was laid within it an,
other as soft as silken velvet and small
from head to foot; it was the hand Of
\ young 'woman-the timidity be.
loDged to girlhood-and instantly g
deep sympathy moved him. 1t was
indeed an urgent cause that forced hel
into this situation-forcedshe her, because
NOW she was softly crying, and hel
emotion shook the little hand. Instant
~ his own hand closed above hers.
'Be not afraid, my child" he said
all will be we'll" His voice, low and
sympathetic, wastthe first to break tht
silence Of that room. The girl ceased
crying and her hand lay quiet within
( his own. Then the doctor spoke in I
whisper:
--We are ready" he said to a tthirt
person; "makc the ceremony as brie
IL possible" The other began:
.Hichar1l !Somers, do you take thi.
woman to be thy welded wife, to live
tnzether after Gods holy ordinance il
9heholy state of matrimony? Wilt tho,
Isxeiher, comfort her, honor and keel
her in sickness and in health, and, for
sailing all others. keep thee only unto
her, 90 sloag as We both Ahall live?'
There was silence, anu then Richart
S0mers said gravely: II take this WON
an to be my lawful welded wife, and.
GhAN comfort her, honor and keep he,
In, sickness and in health, to the best o
my ability, as long ms shall continu,
II he her welded husband. Is tina
ssuMEient, sir, to answer all legal re
quirenents?"
That is sufficient, said the unknown
speaker. Frances, wilt thou have, thi
~ -