Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-09-17
CHAPTER ii.


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-
gestion 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 attn
Aetes. But fine as was the framework of
the man and his physical DEVELOPMENT.
there was in the face, Swallowed at the
moment by broad, down-droopipp
lashes and mustache, patrician ele-
Sance, 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 an
preciated the value of that smile nm.
I'll 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 saw
ing of himself; "a man owes methinr
to his family and his bride in the mat
% Af .
see or be seen. And he owes a great
deal to himself. BY the way, 1 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 was
born. ! see him occasionally in Rich
mond, and" - Brodnar paused and
looked curiously on his companion
have you ever been told that there is
something not unlike in your personal
appearance? Don't be offended, old
Fellow, but, between you and me. there
isn't more unprincipled rascal I'M
hung" Somer's face flushed once and
the smile LEFT it. He replied with some
SJnstraint:
81 did not know that he ever favored
Richmond with his presence. I did
know, however, that he once lived in
this state. His was a presidential ap-
nj rloa
welded considerable influence around
Washington, especially among sena-
tors. As to the likeness, it has been
commented on before, and once
fought boy at school for discovering
the fact. Does he make Richmond his
home?"
"Of late, yes. But see that you are
annoyed. My dear fellow, very ugly
people may resemble very handsome
ones. Shall we start?"
81 am ready"
This bandage," said Brodnar.
seems to imply a doubt of you. Dick.
but believe me it has its proper use.
In the future, if accident should con-
'front.' you with the-woman, neither of
you VIII be embarrassed. She will. it
is true, know your name, but unless she
should look you up in days to come she
will never see your face. Is that COM
forta ole?-yes? Well, moment and
we are gone. Your hand. nv 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 oil cir
eumstances You will yourself conceal
from everyone the facts of this nights
business; and YOU accept the woman
10 whom we go as your wife with all
The limitations | have outlined. know
that in your own heart YOU are re-
solved, but the honor of a 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, I 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-
PLANTATION 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 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 a 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
ms companion on pavement. through
narrow gateway, the gate of which
ne unlocked, along a gravel walk with
Shrubbery on both sides for about 60
PAGES up two stone steps TO door tina
mad neither bell nor knocker. and into
woman's room.
How weak is human invention
Richard SOmare