The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-03-04
"BeLD STROKE FeR 4 WIFE,"
AM RIGA A b II . a DE-

q
fortsns. and the pase of his imprisonn snt, took
occasion to inquire into the facts. They strike ne
quito curious, 50 much so, indeed, to be worth
repeating, especially AZ the parties are Of eur own
country The history, altogether, u full Of ro-
q simple narrative.
"Chsvalier Wlkof." ~ he Is called, 10 Phiis-
delPhian, well educated, with fne person sad ct
and literature, fashion and frolic for nearly twenty
years, and is pretty well known in Europe and
America. He accompanied Fanny Elssler to Ameri
%, - her friend and manager. he was, and some
for tho American consul after his arrest, ana do.
handed to be exempted from the ordinary proses
Of law, on the ground that he was employed by
Lerd Paimerston to promote, BY correspondence,
90. But the Sandman authorities would not listen
to this demand, and he was finally induced to en-
ploy counsel. He was committed to prison for .
criminal offence; but an effort is making, With q
probability OF success, to get his case on t. the
civil calendar. This would greatly mitigate his
puAishment.
The lady is Miss Mary Gamble, daughter Of
John Gamble, Esq and niece Of Col. Gamble, of
Philadelphia. She came, when child, to England,
whore sks was adopted and educated by her uncle,
Mr.. Dunlop, gentleman Of fortune. la person,
he is small and delicate; in mind and manners
cultivated and accomplished; in conversation,
spirited and attractive intemPeI ament exciteabls
but oon6dirg and affectionate. How, it may be
asked do you know all this! II ia the result of OBJ
servaton during an interview of four hours to-day,
when Miss G., with the utmost frankness gave me
free revelation of the origin, progress, aud results
Of her acquaintance with the "Chevalier." And as
the whole matter is, in few days, to become judi
cally public have her permission to give the facts
to such as feel an interest in them
Mr. Wikof came to London seventeen years ago,
with letters Of introduction from Mss CANDLES
relatives to her uncle, who, together with her aunt,
received him very kindly. He was much at Mr..
Dunlop's house, and the family grew quite fond Of
him 80 much so, that for three or four years, in
tewn and country, and in travelling, he was fire.
frequently An inmate Of the family During this
time, being nearly Of the same age, Mr.. w. and
Miss G. were much together, and always friends
but only friends; no thought or dream Of love en-.
tering the hearts or heads Of either.
Mr.. Wikof went for a year or moro on the conti-
nent, and from thence, with Elssler, to America
When he returned to Eng gland, thong the aoquaiat
anoe was renewed, there was no removal of former
relations; and for six or eight years Miss G. saw
nothing, and heard little of, Mr.. w. In the inter
soey for her, but leaving the bulk of their fortune
to m only child This cousin of Miss G. was Of in.
firm health, and with this cousin she lived in secld.
sion, soothing his suferipgs and softoning his pit
cousin Miss Gamble inherited large fortune.
And four days after this death, Mr.. Wikof, who
was in Paris when it occurred, appeartd in London.
lie announced his arrival to Miss e in q very appro
pirate letter ofcondolenae, sskng permission, if her
health and spirits would allow Of it, to call That
permission was readily given. MIR. w. called, ex-
pressed warm sympathes, and awakened affecting
reoollecsions Of dear friends now no more. He called
again, and again. but always as the friend Of other
days lie finally, expressing solioitude for Miss 8
health, recommended change Of air and scene.
This accorded with the advice Of other friends Do.
Gliding TO pass a few weeks at q watering place,
Miss G invited two female friends, the lady and
daughter OF Mr. Leslie, the artist to accompany her.
She left London without any suspi sion that either
her person or her purse had taken Mr.. w. captive
Bat three days after they were established in their
o. nj q Nad i'm.
self, rs dinner was ordered to Mrs. Leslie wthwhom
he was acquainted. He was asked to dinner, and
passed the evening agreeably with the ladies' The
next Day he walked with them, expressing regret
that bis public duties would soon call hia away.
Again he dined with them, and afterwards, by in
vitation of Mrs. L, had seat at their table. Ten
days glided pleasantly away rbcn for three or four
days, occup ed much of his time in writing what
he spoke of as an important letter. One evening,
having spoken Of his intended departure the next
morning. he said, as the ladies were about to retire.
this letter It contains history Of my past fe of
my present position. and has reference to my future
hopes ! need advice, and ask it OF the daughter
Of my best friends" Then, for the rss time,
She said, in reply, "Pray, excuae me. | am IN
fitted by habit, and too little acquainted with bust.
ness to give advice" But Mr.. w. persisted urging
Their early acquaintance, &c, and she took tho
letter.
This letter was addressed to Mrs. Grost, Of Lon.
doh, . lady Of position, whose acquaintance Miss g.
had made through w ;, and Of whom he was always
speaking with high admiration. The letter, after
giving history of his pursuits, objects, and aspi
Iations, stated that having exhausted all enjoy
nents Of travel, general society, and fashionable
fe his spirit required repose; that he had been
long seeking, and had finally found an object
worthy Of his affections that this object, though
sufficiently attractive in person, was most valued
for her high intellectual qualities. the charms Of
the purity OF heart, Joined with all
the domestic graces which make happy home cir
oes concluding with an aIGmal tnas Me- as naa asss,
and soliciting Mrs Greats good offices IN his be-
half
Early the next morning Miss Gamble wrote
brief but explicit rejection Of this offer which she
read to her friend, Mrs Leslie. That lady urged,
FIRST that Miss G. should refe,t upon the subject
for day or two, and next, that she should at least
gid the bitter pill she was administering. But
Miss G. desired to blast this flower In its bud, and
sent the reply as she had written it.
| forgot to say that in his letter Mr.. w. urged
that, as Miss Gamble had been left quite alone in
the world, he was constrained, both by duty and
affection, to become the protector OF one 50 dear
to his best friends.
Mr. Wikof-s seat at ltho breakfast table was
vacant that morning. Mrs Leslie suggested that
they ought to send servant, saying that breakfast
waited. The servant returned with Mr.. VS. COM
pimepts, but that he was that moment departing,
and must deny him,ef the pleasure Of breakfas:ing
With the ladies. The seryant brought also letter
to Mics in which Mr.. w complains o. the
eofcflty VI nOscs SnJlbk shas VIC Ash3p. Va
rejection had superadded modification to grief, and
expressing the hope that il they could not be lovers
they should, at least, remain friends. Thus they
separated But Mrs Leslie aided by much loved
female domestic, BY whom Miss G.. had been
brought up, and who had been nearly half GEN.
tury IN thefamily, prevailed on Miss q. to reply to
Mr. w g last letter, and while adhering to her de-
termination, to soften tho terms of her reje ,ton.
In another week Miss q. returned to London
supposing that Mr.. w. had gone, as he said he
must, to the Continent, on official business I'm
nediately, however, came a note from Mr.. W,
asking permission to call, rot to urge his suit, but
TO place their relations upon their former footing
He called but carefully avoided the forbidden topic
lie came az ain, and then again, finally proposing
to call in the evening, but with no word oflove
The evening visit was prohibited. During this
time MIs 6. saw much Of Mrs. Groat, who favored
the views of Mr.. w. And by this time he had wen
over the old nurse entirely. Mr.. w. himself finally
took occasion to press his suit. Miss q. less than
ever inclined to listen, determined to leave London.
Mr.. w. followed her To Paris, where, through the
Intervention Of a mutual friend he re-establshcd
friendly Intercourse. Ere long, however, he became