A. MORMON LOVE TRAGEDY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 161, 9 March 1871, Page 7

A. MORMON LOVE TRAGEDY.

Miss Laura Claire, the beautiful daughter of Professor Ignaz Claire, the astronomer, has, according to the " Utah G-ospel," for some time been engaged to Mr. Alfred Vivian, the young writer, author of " Hell and Heaven — which will you have ? " " Think and Eepent," '" Prayers for the Sinners," and other tracts which have given him quite a reputation ; but for some reason or other it has been suspected that there was a coolness between them. Still, Miss Claire loved him devotedly, and the preparations for the wedding were going on In the meanwhile a Mr. Jos. Morton fell desperately iv love with Miss Claire, and refused to be denied admittance to the house, although Professor Claire had several times ordered him out. He, when treated thus, declared mysteriously that he knew certain secrets about Miss Claire, and if she did not marry him lie would reveal them. He demanded to see her alone. This she finally consented to, and after a long interview he departed, stating he would return the next day. To this she smiled and said, " Yes, I shall always be glad to see you." These words were repeated by one of the servants to Mr. Vivian when he came that evening, and he asked his affianced what they meant She said, " Nothing." After a while he said, "Do you love this Morton ? " Miss Claire laughed and said, " Don't be a fool, Alfred." " Then you refuse to answer ?" he said. She frowned. " You know I love you," she answered ; and if you ask me any more silly questions I shall be angry." Mr. Vivian left shortly after, appearing much displeased. The next morning Mr. Morton came. The servant noticed that Miss Claire was deadly pale, but she received him quite cordially. " You must have some wine," she said. " Of course," he replied, "with you." He took the glass and drank it. Shortly after he departed, but before he walked three blocks, he fell to the ground aud was picked up dead ! A post mortem examination revealed that he had been poisoned. Miss Clairo was arrested. She sent for Vivian. "Do you believe me guilty ? " she as^ed. " I have nothing to say," he replied ; "lara and have been for a month engaged to be married to a gay lady^in this city, and it is not right that I^hould be seen with 33 r ou." The young" lady uttered a piercing scream. " Oh'l Alfred," she shrieked, " I did it for your sake. I loved you. He could "have prevented our marriage. Ob, Alfred! do not desert me — save me ! save me!" Mr., Vivian tore himself away, and would haye quitted tho cell, when Miss Claire placed herself with her back against the door. " Look," she said, and before he could prevent it, she had drawn a dagger, and, stabbing herself, she fell dying at his feet. " I forgive you — I love you," she murmured, and har eyes closed for ever.