TRAGEDY OF A MASK.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2085, 21 May 1907, Page 1

TRAGEDY OF A MASK.

FAMOUS SINGER’S, DIVORCE. A case that is attracting enormous interest., in the. United.. States is

the action for divorce recently' brought by Mine. Emma Eames, tho celebrated singer, against her husband, Mr. Julian Story, the artist, A sensational incident at a masked ball given by Mr. Story', at Philadelphia last winter is said to have caused the final rupture between the couple. Mr. Story was in indifferent health at the time, and Madame Eames went over from New York to act as

hostess. Ignorant of her identity which her mask concealed, two ladies, it is said, revealed to her an extraordinary story of her husband’s infatuation for a beautiful Pliiladelpllian, and fled in terror when they discovered who the recipient of their indiscretions was. Madame Eames insisted on an explanation front her husband, and left hipi at once when lie declined to give it. The most tactful intervention on the part of intimate friends shows the utter hopelessness of any atteinjit to bring about a reconciliation. “Had there been mad, unreasoning jealousy, or hot, bitter reproaches on the one hand, and open defiance on the other, there might have been some hope,” said one of these friends; “but each is so quiet, so calm, and magnanimous towards the other that it reflects the fixed determination to separate at once and for ever.” Mrs. Story is heartbroken over it. While indignant in her womanly wrath and fixed in her resolution, she speaks of Mr. Story in the kindliest way, except in one respect, and ‘keeps saying: “I hope I am not doing in an unkind way that which, nevertheless, I must do.” Mr. Story is greatly distressed over his wife’s legal action. He absolutely denies the charges, saying they are utterly groundless and the work of malicious gossips. “It is not a matter of to-day or yesterday,” he said to a close friend who had forced the subject on him. “My wife and I have practically lived apart for two years. I have for her the greatest respect, though I think she has been badly advised, and I shall do nothing to put up a harsh defence. I will not do or say opo word that would defend 'no. if it wounded or hurt her. in the least. She is a woman in jiublic life, and the target of remark from the very nature of lior public position. My desire, while absolutely denying the charges, is not to do an unchivalrous thing towards her. The most unfortunate thing i; that she brought the nctiop in New York, with its well-known drastic law of divorce.' 1 It is said that none except a formal defence will be made when the hearing of the divorce case is held in the AVliite Plains Court-

The Wellington Evening Post reports that the other morning ViceAdmiral Fawkes was given the opportunity of satisfying liis desire to visit the New Zealand training ship Amokura. He was met on board by the Acting-Premier (Hon. W. HallJonos), the Minister for Defence (Hon. R. McNab), and Captain Hoo- ! per, R.N.R. Tho Admiral made a thorough inspection of the vessel, and also of tho boys, whom he briefly addressed. He gavo them a little homely and practical advice, emphasising the value of obedience and discipline. Ho remarked that ho would look forward with interest to the day when tho boys then before him would be woaring tho King’s uniform. Olio of the boys gavo a demonstration of navigation with a model ship, and was complimonted by the visitors on his proficiency in theoretical seamanship. The Admiral considers that tho progress made with tho boys in the short time that they have been under training is satisfactory.