Connecticut western news., 1873-01-31
Lord Lytton's Domestic Infelicities.

married life, like that of several of his illustrious compeers in literature, was rendered unhappy by the disturbing in- fuence which is prettily termed the in- compatibility of husband and wife in every case where the parties are of high station. He was married in 1927, when his literary life had just been tinted with the first flush of appreciation. She whom he selected for wife was also known in literature. The interest exci- ted by the union of two such gifted per sons was much enhanced by a morbid sentiment, caused by the knowledge ex- tant that both of them were in delicate health. Lord Lytton was described as "pale and fascinating" and the bride was depicted as surpassingly lovely. And there came an entrancing vision of two beautiful beings gliding through life, reluctant to leave the light of each others presence, and made almost un- aware of the approach of death by the love that possessed them. But as time passed and, the weak couple grew in strength, the popular interest in them, except as author and authoress, depart ed, and was only revived by the story of their separation. Sir Edward had lost his "pale and fascinating appear ence, and the tender tints of Lady LyttOn's cheeks, that had been de- scribed at her marriage as like rose leaves crushed on ivory" had spread over her countenance and given her the forid complexion of healthy matron, when, in 1886, that event was an- nounced. The attention that was thus called to the life of the intellectual couple was short-hved. Lord Lytton settled on his wife an annuity of G400, and she retired to privacy while be con- tinued to tread the slippery ways of politics. Lady Lytton found that her expenses could not be met with her in- come, and as her husband advanced in worldly prosperity she began to utter complaints, to which he gave uo atten- ton. Becoming angered at this indif- ference toward what she deemed her sufferings, she began to use her pen against him publicly, and she issued several novels and pamphlets, wherein he was depicted in any but pleasing colors. This course was continued for years, but it's lack of effect toward her desired object urged her to adopt diff ferent tactics. In the spring of 1858 Lord Lytton became Cabinet Minis ter, and his seat in Parliament for Hertfordshire becoming vacant, it was necessary for him, in accordance with custom, to meet his constituents there in order to be rechosen. Lady Lytton, then residing in Taunton, Somerset, hearing of his intention, determined to confront him before his supporters, charge him with his cruelty to her, and thus defeat his reelection. She circulated hand-hills announcing her l SA,%o nd %1,yo NC fr1n lo portunity to defeat her in it. She ar rived in Hertford early on the morning of the election. Having asked at what was told at twelve o'clock, when the transformation was given by her hus- bands friends, who wished to avoid a scandal. Consequently Her Ladyship did not reach the hustfngs till the cleo tion.was over and Lord Lytton was just closing his speech with fervent tribute of admiration to the womanly beauty exhibited in the carriages about his stand. Advancing toward him she caught His Lordship's eyes. He inn mediately left his station and went to the house of friend. As he disap. peared she cried out " Cowardw and turning to the people, for fifteen min utes rehearsed her suferings on account of his action. This circumstance was unpleasant in it's consequences to her. self. It engendered belief that she had become insane and so, shortly af- ter the incident, she was conveyed to g private aslyum for the insane, at the in. stance of her husband, acting under the advice of physicians. It may be that r ,ord T,vttOn wss deceiyed hv fbese dnc. tors as to the state of Her Ladyship's mind. It is charitnble to believe that he was SO deceived. and, as he acted al. most entirely under the direction of his solicitor, there is some basis for the be- lief The incarceration of the lady ex, cited much indignation among he, friends in Taunton, who were sure oi her sanity, and great degree of inter. est throughout the kingdom. An in. vestigation of her mental state was i'm. mediately made, and having been pro. nounced perfectly sane, she was allowed to reside with her son.