The Meeker herald. [volume] (Meeker, Colo.) 1885-current, 1916-04-29
A ROMANCE
IN DUPLICATE
Happy Ending Of a Mixed Up
Love Affair.

Henry and Howard Corwith 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 lie WIS seven years
old a cyclone passed over the town
where they lived, leaving the swnth
Of a gigantic scythe behind 1t. The
brothers had been left 'nlone In the
house, Henry In charge Of 1t and of his
little brother Howard. At the time
Of the passage Of the whirlwlnd How
ard was asleep. Feeling the house
crashing down upon them. Henry
planted himself above his younger
brother to protect him. When several
hours Inter they were taken out from
under the fallen timbers, Howard was
found to be unhurt, but Henry had re-
ceived severe injuries.
And now at twenty-six and twenty
two respectively Henry was small and
thin and pale. Howard well devel-
oped. stalwart man. Henry felt the
same affection for his brother us when
ue IIlku btiN GU AioAh aCaths raw"
ard lived under constant reminder Of
the sacrifice Henry had made for him,
and 1t 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 well
pleased us at discovering some want
Of Henry's that he could supply.
Fortunately they both fell in love Mt
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 hinnself from
being left with no one to love. How
ever this may be. both brothers seemed
satisfied.
Henry Corwith. deprived Of the
GUS life. found compensation in art.
After learning all of his profession
that could be drawn from American
preceptors he resolved to go abroad to
study. Belle Martin possessed musical
taste and concluded to take n course
Of music in Germany. It was agreed
that the two should cross the ocean in
~ was to 60 to Puris, Belle to Berlin.
They sailed In the autumn and were
to return the following summer.
Howard Corwith endured the separa-
ton from his brother and his f1nncee as
best he could. Howard and Della had
a common interest and naturally turn
ed to each other for comfort. Each
found in. the other listener into
whose ear to pour story OF enforced
separation. Howard talked OF Belle.
and Della talked Of Henry. The inter
change of sympathy was perfect
Ten months passed. Henry and
Belle wrote that they would meet In
Southampton and return on the same
steamer. Howard's friends. when APP
prised Of his brothers. and his fiancee's
return. congratulated him warmly, but
Howard. instead Of looking happy over
the approaching reunion, wore troll
blcd 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 few days in the
city. Howard Corwith sent word that
he was not well enough to go on TO
meet his brother and his fnncee. 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. Az
they drove home together Henry said:
FLETCHER came to see you. suppose.
and brought you the commissions
gave him for your
"Yes."
Henry sighed and gazed far away.
FLETCHER told me all about you. .
said Howard.
$50 I supposed" said Henry.
at was pleasant season for you
and Belle to be together in Switzer-
land"
Fletcher spoke OF tt?''
"Yes"
By this time they reached the house
and, allghting. 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.
~ knew Fletcher would give you the
facts" replied Henry without noticing
the question. II saw what was on
your mind the moment I arrived"
you are right In assuming that 1t is
, killing me. To think that you who
have borne the burden for me all these