Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1915-10-14
A ROMANCE
In DUPLICATE
Happy Ending of a Mixed Up
Love Affair.

Henry and Howard C0rWlth loved
each other devotedly. Henry was four
years older than Howard, but looked
younger. He had been injured when
a child, and this had retarded his de-
velopment. When he was seven, years
old a cyclone passed over the town
where they lived, leaving the swath
of a gigantic scythe behind it. The
brothers had been left alone in the
house, Henry in charge Of it and of his
little brother Howard. AT the time
Of the passage Of the whirlwind How
ard was asleep. Feeling the house
crashing down upon them, Henry
planted himself above his younger
brother to protect him. When several
hours later they were taken out from
underline fallen timbers, Howard was
found to be- nnhurt, but Henry had re-
ceived severe injuries.
And now at tW%enty-SiX and twenty
two respectively Henry was small and
thin and pale, Howard a well devel-
oped, Stalwart man. Henry felt the
same affection for his brother as when
he had saved him from death. How
ard lived under a constant reminder of
the sacrifice Henry had made for him,
and it was his aim to heap benefits
upon the brother who had taken the
burden that had permitted his own de-
velopment. Howard was never so we'll
pleased as at discovering some want
of Henry's that he could supply.
Fortunately they both fell in love at
the same time and with sisters. Henry
became engaged to Della Martin and
Howard soon after became engaged to
her sister Belle. 1t WAS said that
Howard proposed to the sister of his
brothers fiancee to save himself from
being left with no one to love. How
ever this may be. both brothers seemed
satisfied.
Henry Corwith. deprived of the
physique with which to live Il strenu-
ous life. found compensation in art.
After learning all of his profession
that could be drawn from American
preceptors he resolved to so abroad to
study. Belle Martin possessed musical
taste and concluded to take a course
of music in Germany. 1t was agreed
that the two should cross the ocean in
the same vessel. and upon arrival Hen
~ was to go - Paris. Belle to Berlin.
They sailed i'm the autumn and were
to return the following summer.
Howard CorWith endured the scnara-
ton from his brother and his fiancee as
best he could. Howard and Della had
a common interest and naturally turn
ed to each other for comfort. Each
found i'll the other a listener into
whose ear to pour Il story of enforced
separation. Howard talked Of Belle.
and Della talked Of Henry. The inter
change of sympathy was perfect.
Ter months passed. Henry and
Belle wrote that they would meet in
Southampton and return on the same
steamer. Howalu's friends. when ap-
prised of his brothers and his ~fiancee's
return, congratulated him warmly, but
Howard, instead of looking happy over
the approaching reunion, wore a trou-
bled look. AS the time for the absent
ones return drew near this evidence
Of some secret dread increased. and on
the day of the arrival Howard seemed
threatened with nervous prostration.
Della Martin went to New York to
meet her sister, the two girls having
arranged to pass a few days in the
city. Howard Corwith sent word that
he was not we'll enough to go on to
meet his brother and his fiancee, and
Henry on reaching port took the first
train home. Howard drove to the sta
ton for him. At their meeting Henry
noticed that Howard looked right past
him. avoiding meeting his eye. Henry
sighed and bent his head. The pres
sure Of hands was cold and the meet
ing entirely devoid Of warmth. AS
they drove home together Henry said:
FLETCHER came to see you. I suppose,
and brought you the commissions I
gave him for you?'
YES"
Henry sighed and gazed far away.
FLETCHER told me all about you,'
said Howard.
$50 I supposed" said Henry.
1T was Il pleasant season for you
and Belle to be together in Switzer-
land"
FLETCHER spoke of it?"
YES"
By this time they reached the house
and, %alighting. went into the library,
where they had so often smoked and
talked and exchanged condolences.
Then Henry said:
Howard, this thing is killing you.'
How did you know it.? Howard
asked, quickly looking up at his
brother.
Il knew Fletcher would give you the
facts" replied Henry without noticing
the question. 81 saw what was on
your mind the moment I arrived"
"You are right in assuming that it is
killing me. To think that you who
have borne the burden for me all these
years and always bear it should have
such a brother!"
What do you mean, Howard?"
II mean that I am a dog. You know