The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1880-02-18

ing widow she went there to live permanent
!ly, leaving her two children in the care of her
husbands folks at Bangor. While at Wash
ington it appears she became well known to
many public men. She worked in the Treas
ury department for some time but finally went
to live with several ladies she had met there in
previous years. Although doing nothing for
living she seemed we'll supplied with money
ana dressed in the most expensive style,
though modestly. She was sharp and witty.
and was quite favorite with several promi
nent Senators, congressman and other officials
OF the government.
:. About two years ago. Mrs. French went to
live as a companion to lady connected with a
family OF no less standing than that of James
Russell Lowell. 1t is not known how long she
resided with this lady, but she soon after went
to live at No. 1905 G street.
Mrs. French lived in grand style until
the too frequent drives she took with Con-
gresham, and the too numerous visits of the
latter TO the house on G street, gave rise to a
scandal that came near resulting disastrously
to the reputation of the NJ. p, and he per-
suaded her to leave Washington, which She
dld. On her way to Boston she stopped at
Philadelphia for time with friend and about
November, 1873, reached Boston. The follow
ing montn she met Emmons at the residence of
= friend of his in this city. Emmons was
struck with her lady-like appearance, and W
gwen an introduction by a wealthy New York
friend. Mrs. French, was pleased with his
appearance. but more especially when she
learned that he was immensely wealthy Ac-
cording to her statement, made since the de-
falcatiOn became known he was JUS. the man
she was anxious to find, and, being given to
understand that he was worth at least $780,
0OO, she made up her mind to get 800, 900 of
1t. She went to live in a respectable neiyhbor-
mood IN the city, and, soon after, Emmons be-
gan to visit her.
lie conhded in her implicitly, and spent his
money in the most lavish manner. He took
ner to ride every pleasant day. ga her din
ners and wine, and made short STAYS at several
Of the leading hotels on the road. Emmons
inally told her anything and everything he
rad in the world was hers. and she was not
show to take advantage of his liberalty She
Knew ne was a merchant, as we'll as town
treasurer, and she was not backward in asking
Tor money whenever and often as she wanted
=, and he came down literally every time.
Many OF the leading dry goods stores of the
city found MIR. French good customer. She
dressed in a style that betoAened taste aud
high-breeding, and was always one of the most
Welcome istomers. In all his peralnbnla-
ions about Boston with the fair lady, EN-
mons showed great caution in keeping out of
sight of those VINO knew him.
On the approach of summer she complained
# the heat, and Emmons suggested that she
20 the seashore. She accepted his proposal
md went to the lower hotel ON Revere Beach,
rhere she enjoyed the best the place afforded
tucted themselves, however, in such way as
rot to excite suspicion. Up to September the
twain thus disported themselves, the cost of
amusement, OF course, coming ont of the pock-
IT'S of the people of Everett, who did not co.
certain the least suspicion that all was not
right. On the approach of cold weather Mrs.
French betoOk herself again to pleasant apart
'nents in the city, Enmons at the same time
continuing his old-time visits, and he contln-
'"f TO spend money as lavishly as ever on
her.
At the beginning of the present winter EN-
mons showed his affection by making her a
pr esent of set of furs valued at $500. She
frequently called to see him in Everett, but
conducted herself in such way as not to ex-
cite suspicion. She had no idea of the ruin
staring him in the face until about the middle
Of December-two weeks before he went away.
Then, while out riding he told her that his af-
fairs were in such a condition tina he would
have to leave town for while. A week later
she went out to ride again with him. and while
in Brighton they stopped and had dinner and
wine at the Albany Hotel. While there EN-
mons again told her about his accounts being
in such shape as to require his departure.
At the hotel he took large envelope
from his breast pocket and abstracting
had, showed her the contents, which he
said amounted to $4,000 in solid money.
On the afternoon of Jan. 1, Emmons came to
Boston and met Mrs. French on the street by
appointment. They went to restaurant on
Court street and dined, after which he told her
he was going away that night. He wanted her
to go to Washington with him, but she de-
clined, on account of not feeling well. He
promised to write and let her know where he
was as soon as he got settled, and then accom-
panied her part way to her lodgings at the
West End, and. about p. m, babe her a final
farewell in front of the Revere House. Bow
dom square. This is the last she saw of EN-
MONS whose whereabouts the authorities have
as yet failed to trace. The investigation made
by detectives led to various clews that resulted
in absolutely nothing. In conversation with
Mrs. French, she acknowledged that ever since
she was 16 years old she had not been depend
emit on anybody for support, not even while her
husband was alive. She said that Emmons,
altogether. spent $500 month ON her, in ali
perhaps some $1,000. Last week she became
exceedingly i'll, and partook of various narcot-
les to get sleep, but could not. She continued
to worry, and began to take on bitterly at not
receiving any letter from Emmons. On Fri
day last she was considered mentally deranged,
and, as precaution, was seut by the judge of
probate to the asylum Ut Danvers.