The Meeker herald., 1916-01-29
A ROMANCE
IN DUPLICATE
Happy Ending Of a Mixed Up
Love Affair.

eucu Otuer ueSOteuly. Henry WIS lour
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 gigantic scythe behind it. 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 whirlwind How
ard was asleep. Feeling the house
crushing down upon them. Henry
planted himself above his younger
brother to protect him. When several
hours later they were taken out from
under the fallen timbers. Howard was
found to he unhurt. but Henry had re-
ceived severe injuries.
And now ut 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 as when
he had saved him from death. How
ard lived under constant reminder Of
the sacrifice Henry had made for him,
and II was his aim to heap benefits
upon the brother who had taken the
burden that had permitted his own dc.
velopmcnt. Howard was never so well
pleased MS Mt discovering some want
OF Hcnry's that he could supply.
Fortunately they both fell In love ut
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 fancee to save himself from
being left with no one to love. How
ever this may lie. both brothers seemed
satisfied.
physique with which TO live strenu-
Gus life. found compensation in art.
After learning NIL of his profession
that could I've drawn from American
preceptors he resolved to go abroad to
study. Belle Martin possessed musical
taste md concluded to take course
Of music In Germany. II was agreed
that the two should cross the ocean in
the same vessel. and upon arrival Hen.
=
They sailed In the autumn and were
to return the following summer.
Howard Corwith endured the sepnra-
ton from his brother and his finncee as
best he could. Howard and Delin had
a common interest and naturally turn
ed to each other for comfort. Each
found. In the other listener Into
whose enr 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. Towards friends. when mp
prised Of his brothers. and his fiancces
return. congratulated him warmly. bnt
Howard. instend OF looking happy over
the approaching reunion. wore Il trOu-
bled look. Az the time for the absent
ones return drew near this evidence
Of some secret drend increased. and OH
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 fancee. 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
Atx prA nv,@ 1T,
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. 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.
ut was pleasant season for you
land"
FLETCHER spoke of IT."
YES"
BY this time they reached the house
and. alighting. went into the library,
where they had 40 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.
II knew Fletcher would give you the |
facts" replied Henry without noticing
the question. II saw what was on
your mind the moment arrived"
You are right In assuming that 1t is
killing me. To think that you who
have borne the burden for me all these
years and always bear 1t should have
such q brother!'
What do you mean, Howard?" /
s1 mean that I nm dog YOu know |