Romantic Elopement.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 234, 24 December 1887, Page 7

Romantic Elopement.

A. komantic elopement has just occurred in connection with one of the oldest aristocratic families in the kingdom. The chief actor is a high-spirited youth, whoso age is given as no more than 17, and who is the only son find heir of one of the county families of Worcestershire, and whose name occurs in Doomsday Book. The father of the youth is a retired captain, and his mother is of a distinguished family, a member of which, for his military s n rvice, was raised to the House of Peers. Three months ago the young heir was introduced, at the close ot a boating excursion, by the private secretary of his father, to a barmaid, aged between 21 and 22, at a wine and spirit vault in Stourbridge, whom the secretary pronounced " the prettiest girl in England." It was an aftair- of " love at first sight," and the young fellow declared he would neAer marry anyone else. A friendship sprang up, and family entreaties and threats were alike in vain. The young man declared if his wishes were thwarted he would end his life with a revolver. At this time he was on a vacation from his college. The family communicated with the detective police of Birmingham, and for weeks past private detectives have Avatched the barmaid's movements almost night and day. She is the daughter of a poulteier living in Wolvevhampton. Detectives. 1 , solicitors, and clergymen have al.so visited the girl's home, on behalf of the lamily, to try to obtain information of the heir's whereabouts, for ie wasdiscoveredhehad run away from college. Very little information was, however, forthcoming, and though one interview was seemed at the hotel between the youngman and his mother, the only result was his declaration that it he were taken by force lie would bo taken home on a ' stretcher. Authentic news was received on Sunday that the couple had eloped, and had been married at, it is believed, a country church near Liverpool The bride has herself communicated this information, and asked for foigivcucss. The young heir's family are naiuially greatly concerned. The young fellow has, during tlie latter part of the "proceedings, backed up his independence by putting fonvard '■ his solicitor ' when it has been threatened by his family. An attempt t-s secure a special license only a few dajs before the successful elopement was frustrated by the legistrar happening to possess private infoi mation of how the matter stood, in bib second attempt, however, he seems to have been more fortunate. Some doubt at picscnt exists whether the ceremony took place at a registrar' 1 - oflice or at a church. The elopement is being much discussed in hunt ing chclcs, the heir'.s family being accustomed frequently to h'gmc at meet-;. — (k l»hmingha\n Daily Po-st."