Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1871-05-18
A Romantic Affair.
Truth Stranger Than Fiction.


e During DR.. Langdon's superintendent.
of Longview Asylum there was developed
one of the most interesting romances IL
real life that have ever come to our knowl
edge as chronicler of passing events. Th'
facts are these: About five years since ;
young lady and gentleman, of differen
families residing not far from Columbus
(both of whom were possessed of abundance
of this worlds goods, and might betermec
millionaires,) formed an acquaintance
which, ere suspicion darkened the parents
mind, ripened in affection as fond as the
most honest and truest hearts could posi-
bly, desire. Being neighbors on not very
intimate terms, so far as the elder part o
the families were concerned, the frequent
tete-a-teteS and interviews of the two
youths were permitted, because. as alleged
by the amOrct, they simply meant friend.
ship" The true guise, fretting and chat
ing under its mask, soon manifested itself
so pointedly that the betrothed lady was
confronted by her father, and throwing her
arms around his neck. aud smilingly gazing
into his face, confessed the ''soft impeach-
ment." In an instant she was forced from
his embrace, and with an expressive expo
situation, accompanied by violent anger,
she was ordered to her room to await fur
ther proceedings The girls mother was
soon made acquainted with the turn IN
affairs, and Indignation. intense and posi-
tive, drove her at once to her daughters IS
bchamber. where she found the child walk
ing the floor in great agony of mind. 1t is
not possible to give the conversation. but
let it suffice that the mother contributed
largely to the girls sufferings, and left her
almost raving maniac.
Immediately a letter was sent to the
young man who up to that time was in
blissful ignorance of what was transplrlng
at his prospective father-in-iaw's house,
positively forbiGding him ever again TO
cross their theshold, or ever to speak to
the young lady again. The young man,
who only few days before had arrived at
his majority, was inclined to believe III
the truth of the maxim "Aaddces tO'1u-
ma j,tnof'-fortune favors the brave-and
at once determined on an elopement. His
plans were suspected, and before the day
arrived fixed upon for the accomplishment
of his purpose. the father and young lady
we're hundreds of miles away from her
lover and the home of her youth. When
the intelligence reached the young man
that she had been carried away, he sought
to learn her whereabouts, but every effort
was alike fruitless, and under fearful tor
ture of mind, which overtaxed all the
| energies of his manhood in his efforts to
repulse it. he succumbed. and in six months
became an inmate of the Central Lunatic
Asylum of Columbus. the father paying
handsomely for his sons care and attention
in the pay ward of that institution. In
the meantime the daughter was on the
banks of the Hudson, tempted with all
. that luxury and comfort could contribute
to make life s'heaven below To all
these she turned a deaf ear, and within the
year she, too, became lunatic, aad IN
facial appearance terribly iii contrast with
her appearance when with light and glee-
some heart she merrily enjoyed the fire
side of her home. The father brought her
to Cincinnati and committed her as pay
patient to the tender merces of DIR. Lang
Con. of Longview, where. in assuite frooms
her every need would be attended to. In
these two institutions both were prisoners
without the knowledge of the parents OF
either the young lady or the young man.
When the Central Asylum was destroyed
b. fire. the Young man was one OF the
number transferred to the Longview
Asylum. Beneath the same roof both
were residents, not the least suspicious
that thew we're dwellers in the some atmos-
phere.
Our readers are doubtless aware that
Thursdays are visiting days at Longview,
and it is not uncommon for considerable
numbers to become visitors on that day.
On Thursday few weeks since the father
of the young lady called to see his daugh-
ter, and was ushered into one of the re-
ception rooms to the right of the hall
leading from the main dront) entrance.
While closeted in this room sister of the
young man called, and, with her brother,
occupied a sofa in the rotunda. The In
terriew of father and daughter terminated
first. and as she was being led across the
rotunda to her ward, the young man caught
aside glance at her face, and, with sream
and a bound, rushed toward her The
Young lady started, turned and recognized
her betrothed, and instantly each was IN
the others arms. Overcome by the excite
ment. and in fainting condition, the two
we're forcibly separated, and the young
lady was conveyed to her room. The faith
er and sister cordially shook hands, and
beoged for a reconciliation between their
families, and if possible make the effort
to restore the two, whose affiiction they all
so deeply lamented. DIR. Langdon was
consulted. and when acquainted with the
facts ordered that the loving pair should
see each other daily for few moments,
and be assured that their ultimate union
was only question of time. and that their
parents had consented to their union. Day
after day and week after week passed with
very noticeable and appreclable improve
ment in the condition of both. Their
parents made weekly visits, and each en-
deayored to outvie the other in ther atten-
tions and affection. In the short space OF
five months beth we're pronounced cured,
and together returned to the homes OF
their youth. A cheerful greeting met them
on their return, and soon both, were In the
full ENJOYMENT of their fresides as of yore.
Immediately preparation were made
for the matrimonial fete that would unite
two happy hearts in one. The nuptiais
we're celebrated with great eclat, every
thing being done that the most fastidious
could desire. This latter event having re-
Gently occurred, the heavenly couple are
now in the noon-tide of their honeymoon.
May we not all wish them long and a
happy life?