A TALE OF THE DANDENONG.— A FAITHFUL WIFE.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 170, 25 November 1876, Page 2

A TALE OF THE DANDENONG.— A FAITHFUL WIFE.

(From the Geelong Advertiser.') The late Mrs Holier, of Lara, who was well connected and generally esteemed, had some years since two young and interesting children thrown upon her hands. The father, a person named Smyth, from what we can learn, left them with her, undertaking to pay for their board. This he did for a time only, then disappeared. Whether he is alive now or not is not known. Mrs Helier could not see them thrust out upon the charity of the cold world, but adopted them as her own. On her dying bed she was most solicitious for the welfare of her motherless children, and entrusted them to two grown-up daughters, one married and the other single, each to have one of them. The single lady proceeded to Sandhurst and was engaged for a short time in connection with the drapery business of a Mr Wright, a widower. Here a mutual attachment sprung up, and although Mr Wright was in a bad state of health, it was deemed most politic that the union should take place. Business matters having been settled, both came to Melbourne with tiie view of proceeding to Sydney, and were joined by the little girl, who had been committed to her care by her dying mother. The marriage took place, and arrangements were made the same day to proceed by the Dandenong, which was carried into'effect. So ill Was Mr Wright that he had to bo carried on board. On the terrible night when the vessel was wrecked the lady refused to leave her sick husband, as he could not leave with her, although she might have been saved. She determined rather to remain with him, and nothing would shake her resolve. The little girl clung to her and would not be seperated, but she was dragged away, and ultimately was found amongst the saved. The newly-married pair found a grave together in the dark waters, the lady by courageous conduct affording another beautiful type of gentle loving, yet heroic womanhood. In death they were not divided. The little girl, who is named Ellen Smyth, familiarly known as “ Poppy,” a very beautiful interesting child of 12 years old, was taken again to Lara, where she is now with her sister under the care of Mrs Streat, the married sister referred to. Offers have, been made to take care of the one who has certainly earned the title of a “ waif of the sea,” hut she wishes to stay .vith her sister, and so it has been arranged. Such is the pathetic story as it has reached us. It certainly shows that women can face death calmly, and be as courageous in times of extreme peril as men. In this case man’s extremity proved to be woman’s opportunity.