MILLIONAIRE'S TRIAL ENGAGEMENT.

Dominion, Issue 1337, 15 January 1912, Page 9

MILLIONAIRE'S TRIAL ENGAGEMENT.

Should (hero be a "trial engagement" between lovers before a definite pledge to marry is made? This question is suggested bv the novel compact which, it is reported, has just been made, in America bv Mr. Harold Sterling Vandcrbilt, younger son of William X. \ anderbilt, tho millionaire, and Miss Eleanor' Scars, daughter ■of Mrs. Frederick It. Scars, of Boston. Ihess young people, according to an announcement made by Mrs. V. If. Sears, have entered upon a "trial engagement to marry," which will Inst a year. During this period Mr. Vandcrbilt and Miss Sears, says her mother, will be as much in each other's company as thev can and wish to be. They, will travel, motor, yacht, and play tennis together, on the understanding that there is no stereotyped engagement to marry existing between them; and that either of tho parties can call the matter' "off" l>cfore the trial year is up if ho or sho feels inclined to do so. At the. end of twelve months, if both consider they arc suited to each other, and that marriage between tht-m would result happily, a public announcement of tho betrothal will bo made. Miss Eleanor Sears is one of the most remarkable and unconventional women in America. She is not only a champion long-dis-tance swimmer, and au exceptionally fine lawn tennis player, but sho lias also distinguished herself in the following athletic ways:—She once made a wager to walk 105 miles in 53 liours, but lost, collapsing in a fit of hysteria; she hns flown with Grnhamo White, and was the first American girl to go in a flying machine; on one occasion, when a famous American polo team was a man short, she volunteered to play, and came on the field in a silk shirt and riding breeches; she is a great hunting woman, but she can navigate a yacht and run a foot race. She does not smoke, and sho once called modern young mcu a lot of molly-cod-dles. The original-minded young couple met in Newport during the late summer, and it was there that an acquaintance, which may go down as the first romance of its kind, was begun. The present arrangement between them has the approbation of Miss Scars' mother, and the whole of American society is looking on at the prospective love affair and awaiting developments with an animated and sympathetic interest. Miss Sears lias recently been staying at Marble Hall us tho gTwst of Mr. Vauderbilfs mother, Mrs. O. 11. P. Belmont. Unfortunately for Mr. Vandcrbilt, however, his work at tho Grand Central railway station keeps him very busy, and he is unable to give as much time to social pleasures as, doubtless, in the circumstances, ho could wish. The advantages of "trial engagements" seem to lie in the fact that through them young people can get to know each other "so well that they ought to be able ti judge how their marriage will turn out. . Actions for breach of promise after such a trial should certainly be greatly 'l'niinishcd.