The Union flag. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1865-187?, 1868-11-27
MfstrIlanrous.
G2o
A DETECTIVES STORY.
Tragic End Of a Brilliant Song
STRESS

was that Of lucille Dutton. She was,
in every respect, woman of the
world. Fascinating brilliant, dashing,
possessing IN exquisite grace OF man
ner and rare conversational powers,
that charmed every one who came
within the sphere Of her influence,
Until her crimes were known, and her
arrest attempted, she reigned here an
acknowledged belle Even the most
ieaousy envious Of her own sex ad-
mtted the wondrous spell exercised
by her singular and surprising 5eau-
ty. An actress, II vocalist, it would
have been no eXtravagant euIogy to
have called her u prima donna. Tall
beyond the average Of women, her
sleuder. graceful form was modelled in
TO an exquisite symmetry that would
have been A'sculptor's ideal. Curling,
silky troSsee Of nut brown hair shad-
ed face fair and delicate as a child
Great luminous black eyes flashed
from beneath the beautiful lashes with
strange mesmeric power that few
indeed had the power to resist. This
expressions, combined with her rare
intellectual gifts, made her regnant
rover many heart that had never be-
fore felt the spell Of woman's charms.
She had vume to New Orleans as a
vocalist. Her engagement was at
tended with u success never before
equaled BY the most accomplished pro-
tessonal. Night after night the thea-
ter was crowded with her admirers.
Her appearance was ever the signal
of an enthusiasm all but wild. AS
the weird light Of the pFoscenium
flashed on the jewel and gem, and the
queeuly toVm, radiant in beauty, stood
before the multitude, who swayed in
the magic charm and Impulse Of tone
and voice havo often fancied her
beauty supernatural. Youth and age
alike telt it's influence. There was a
thrill in the low utterance that trena-
bled on the air like the soft vibration
of harp whose strings the wind had
struck, and rising in tullness and
strength Of tone until rich, delicious
harmony filed the vast building with
magical cadence, which no ear at
tuned to music could resist. Her name
was on every lip-her picture adorned
every window along the fashionable
thoroughfure. Before the charm Of
that strange, wondrous beauty, fash
ion forgot excluSiveness, society open
ed its doors. Petted and caressed in
every circle, admired and loved, her
heart remained insenoible to so much
flattery, and homage OF men and wo
men was received us ii it were her
due.
1t was at a time when her fame was
greatest, and her success in faShiona-
bic life most assured, that an event oc
Cured which changed it all and pre-
opitated catastrophe which | can
not even now reflect upon without II
sense of pain. A few months before
her advent bore, series Of the most
startling tragedies had occurred in
Montreal An entire family had been
poisoned by a governoss. The instru-
meut of this wickedness had fled, and
with such consummate skill had her
fight been cOntrlved, that not even
trace OF her was left. 1t appeared
that her beauty and accomplishments
had won the affections of youth,
whose marriage with her his parents
opposed. Driven TO desperation, Har-
low Vincent had, in moment of fren-
zy, pcrished by his own hand. Over
the corpse of her lover the governness
had swore dire revenge. How faith
ful she adhered TO her guilty oath, the
rapid decease Of bis reiatives full well
attested.
The story of the Canadian homi.
cides had long since reached us, but
had left but little impression, as a
matter with which we bad nothing to
do.
One night a gentleman returning
from the theater entered our Office
His look was disturbed, and bis face
wore an expression Of profound agi-
tation.
SIR. handed him a chair, and
after moments hesitation, he inquir-
ed if had heard Of the tragedies at
Montreal.
replied that l had.
Havo you no suspicion Of the ac-
tor in that fearful DRAMA ?
The goverhese of course.
Yes, but have you no suspicion of
who that governess is
Certainly not
Would you like me to point her
out to you 2
Most certainly | would
'And you wonld arrest her II didP
Certainly
Then, sir, your task is easy the
woman who is setting your city wild
at present, the fasciaating Lucille
Dutton is the person?
Whai7' | exclaimed, 'you are madF
Not : Ispeak adyisedly II know
the woman am \ resident Of Non
.sssl, and have known her for years.