The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-11-25
UNITED DESPITE OPPOSITION



Five years ago Miss Annie Devlin, the
youngest daughter Of Charles Devlin. the con-
tractor became acquainted with VIM. II. Croft,
builder. living in the Nineteenth Ward. who
was then IN employee in one Of the city depart
ments. Mr.. Croft was not wealthy. but he had
pluck. enterprise. and Intelligence. and was
able to earn enough to keep himself and
family. II necessary. in comfort Mr.. Devlin.
on the contrary. is very wealthy. having been
one of the signers OF Tweeds bonds Indeed he
was life long friend Of the dead Boss. and he
stood by him through thick and thin About
two years ago the acquaintance between the
young persons ripened into love. and Mr.. Croft
made n formal proposition to Mr.. Devlin for
the hand OF his daughter. Mr.. Devlin politely
declined the alliance. but Mr.. Croft managed to
meet Miss Devin frequently In the houses Of
mutual friends. Opposition only famed their
love into Hercer flame. and the result was
that Miss Devlin consented to elope.
Just at the critical moment Mr.. Devlin ap-
peared, and. according TO the best information
nttninable ut this late day. there was n stormy
scene. Mr. Devln. some say. drew his re-
volver. and the woud-be bridegroom followed
suit. Before either could fire friends inter-
fered, and Mr.. Devlin took his daughter home
Mr.. Croft. bafled. but not discouraged. kept in
commnncatlon with Miss 3, Devlin as long as ne
love and fidelity. Their correspondence was
discovered, nt length. by Mr.. Dcvln. who sud
denly resolved TO send his daughter abroad.
hoping that time and absence would make her
forget her lover. She was placed in n French
convent. and after & the lapse Of year VA. Was
her attachment 10 Mr.. Croft was mere glrlish
passion that had long ago faded away, placed
no restraint upon her after her return and she
was allowed usual freedom.
Six weeks ago Miss Devlin's sister was mar
Tsa m 10 S Mr STyer Snd MIS- Mss
!nee Deylinl took charge ot tho table Of. the
Paulist Fathers Church in the. Cathedral fair.
there that the lovers met again after their long
separation and renewed their VOWS. II was
S, second % eopement Of an were laid II was VAS remarked %
that OF all the young gentlemen processing the
Roman Catholic faith Mr.. Croft was the most
constant In his attcndance at the fair. and
| that Miss Devlin was so devoted 20 the cause
that she never. missed n day or an evening,
by Young lady friend. and they went out to-
| gether ostensihly to go to the Cathedral fair.
| At the family dinner hour Miss Devlin had not
convinced him that his suspicion was wen
grounded. An hour afterward he learned that
| she was married TO the lover from whom he had
| separated her, and before he went TO bed that
night he heard that the happy pair had started
for Philadelphia to enjoy their honeymoon.
The story OF the elopement. II is said. Is that
nfter quitting tho paterna resi- idence 81 3ll East
| Fiity-seventh street. Miss Devlin and her COM
| panion strolled leisurely no town. Near the
| church of ST. Vincent Ferrer at Sixty-sixth
street and Lexington avonue. they were Joined
| by two yonng gentlemen. One OF these was SIR.
| William II. Croft. and the other was Mr.. Dick
| inson, the son OF former President of the
| Third Avenue Railroad. The young ladies
| wore their ordinary street costume. and the
| gentlemen wore business suits of a dark color.
| Anything less like n wedding party could not
| be conceived. and yet their designs were de-
| cidedly matrimonial. and their dcst nation was
the pastoral residence OF St Vincent Fe!rer's
| Church. There they were received by Father
| Iilly TO whom Mr. Croft briefly explainpl the
| object OF their visit: After the usual civil for
maities "a sort OF a legal catechisml. the re-
| ligious ceremony was performed, the only wit
| nesses being the brides friend and Mr.. Dickin-
son. and the lovers were pronounced husband
| they were on their way to Philadelphia. Prioi
| TO- their departure they accepted the invitation
| Of mutual friend. and enjoyed an impromptu
| reception.
Father Lilly said last evening: "All can tel
| you about the marriage Is that married the
| lady and gentleman you mention on Friday
| afternoon. They had no ties Of relationship
and they were both Of age; and thus i becomes
| my duty. both under the law OF the Church and
| the law OF the land. 10 marry them when they
| asked me TO. have seen Mr.. Devlin since the
| marriage"
| Was he very angry ?"
Yes, sir; but. OF course II would not be In
| good taste for me to speak further OF It,"
Mr.. CroU Is now prosperous builder. and Is
| contractor for two large houses in Fifty-seventh
| street. between Fourth and Lexington avenues