The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1878-09-11

An application for a judicial admin
istratiOn Of the de NOurbO estate, one
of the richest properties in Spain, has
brought to light a most serious and
tragic family history.
Late last year Madrid was astOnish-
ed. Not only astonished, but Outrag-
ed in the highest degree. 1t became
remarked about the Countess de Nour-
DO, n dowager of more than fifty, was
to be married to Sebastian Caballasey
Bancas, q twenty-five year old portrait
painter of the Spanish Capital, and
one Of the widest young blades in the
Kingdom. Bancas himself was the
author of the rumor, having boosted
of the coming union among a party of
drunken acquaintances, and it was not
long in reaching the ear of the Count
ess' son, Francisco de NOurbO, in Paris.
The latter hurried to Madrid and con-
froDted the prospective bridegroom in
his own studio, demanding a retraction
Of the report This. Bancas refused to
make, whereupon de NourbO fell upon
him and thrashed him within an inch
of his life. He was only dragged from
his senseless victim by the combined
efforts Of half dozen men whom the
noise Of the struggle called in from
the street. The studio was completely
wrecked, every canvas being destroyed
and all the objects Of art and virtue
with which it was crowded scattered
about in confusion, or reduced to frag-
ments. Among them was a trophy
which had consisted Of rare and valua-
bic antique weapons. One Of these a
gold mounted Spanish dagger, de NOur.
DO picked up.
II shall keep this" he said, ''until
| find out that you have really mar
ried my mother, who l verify
believe, is fool enough to espouse you.
When I do find it cut viii bury it in
your heart.
Bencas commenced next day a suit
against his assailant for the theft of
the dagger and for the recovery of
damages for the injury inflicted on his
studio. The case was heard by a Judge
who was an uncle Of the prosecutor
and was decided IN his favor. De
NOurbo, who was wealthy man, was
sentenced to the payment of thirty
thousand francs damages. AlsO to a
FelloratiOn Of the dagger. With the
Ggst Judgment he complied. The sec
ond, however, be managed to evade, and
ha returned to Paris with tho weapon
in his possession. On the day of the
departure BAncas received q letter from
him. 1t contained on visiting card
Of the writer's the representation Of a
human hand, with the forefnger ex-
tended wAruingly. and the words:
"Rememberl F. de n"
In spite Of dis warning, however,
Bancas, a month Later, disappeared from
Madrid several days before the Count
ess had left the city, Ostensibly 10 Wis
il La Hermosa, q magnificent estate Of
hers near Granada, really, a. It proved
10 20 to Seville, where she joined the
artist, to whom on January 18th she
was married By the earats Of villa
Clam, one Of the suburban villages of
Seville. The only witness of the Ger.
emory was her maid and lawyer, the
latter having been summoned by her
from Madrid. On the evening Of the
wedding day the bride commanded
him TO execute q transfer Of her entire
property, valued at over 81, 200, 600,
10 her husband. The lawyer protested.
In vain, however.
eff YOU do not do it at once" said
his employer. 81 will have you kicked
into the street, and find another attor-
ney who will do as l wish. Ny mind
is made up. My ungrAteful son has
insulted my husband. Not q cent oil
my money shall ever be his."
The lawyer communicated this oc.
cuIrence TO Francisco de NOurbO, who
was also a client Of his, and on Feb.
Fuary 9Th, the latter caused the inser'
ton of the following letter in the Par.
is Figaro. the Madrid Diario and the
Seville Eco del Mundo; r..