Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1880-11-18
ROMANCE

or the Dizzy Flying TrapeZe-
Chicago SOcicty v Taken i'm by the
Performer, LeOna Dare, and
Her Wealthy Austrian Hus-
band.
Chicago. November l7.-Socal cir
cles in Chicago will he considerably
stirred Tomorrow by the disclosure Of
the fact that two persons who have been
received with marked courteses as man
and wife were in reality nothing OF the
sort, but have been living together in
manner and under circumstance not re-
garded as the proper sort OF thing either
by the law or by established usage. The
story is quite interesting on general
principles, but the more so because one
OF the parties has achieved worldwide
reputation in professional way.
One time last June there came to
Chicago a gentleman and lady calling
themselves Mr.. and Mrs. Ernest Theo.
dore Ccunebaum, residingat No. Nolks'
yarten .strasse, Vienna, when at home,
and who had, as it appeared, come to
America to spend the honeymoon. Their
appearance and belongings indicated
liberal wealth, and the lady attracted
especial attention, by reason OF her sin
gular beauty, which was Of the volup-
tuous Oriental type. Both were young
and intensely devoted to each other.
The laiy's department was strictly un-
exceptionable, and among her many ad-
mirers were none who paid such devout
A. al m "a
worldas her husband.
They passed a large portion OF the
summer at Geneva Lake, and at that
beautiful resort formed the acquaintance
of many OF the fashionable people OF
Chicago. The gentleman entertained
liberallv while there. at one time getting
up an elaborate picnic excursion wholly
al his own expense. The season at tie.
neva Lake ended. the interesting couple
returned to Chicago, stopping at the
Grand Pacific, and here renewed the
pleasant acquaintances formed during
the summer.
IL was only few days ago that "Mr.
and Mrs. Grunebaum" were among the
invited guests at one OF the most bril-
liant and exclusive weddings had in
this civ for years. Judge, then, the
modification that will be telt when 1t Is
ascertained that these people were not
married at all--at least, not legally mar
ried. And here is where the most in
teres,ing part OF the story comes in.
The gentleman is as his card indicates,
ERNEST Theodore Grunebaum, OF No.
: Volksgarten strasse, Vienna" the son
of wealthy and honored parents in the
Austrian capital The lady is none
other than Leona Dare, not long since
reco ynized as the most famous and skill
ful trapcze performer and equilibrist in
the world.
II will be remembered that something
like seven or eight months ago the love-
" Leona. while performing in the I'M
perial Court Theatre at Vienna, fell to
the stage from a dizzy height AMI was
iear!uliv mangled. Careful nursing,
however. saved her life, and it was dur
ing her protracted period of terrible sui.
ierinp that the moor Girl found a stead
fast. tender friend and nurse in young
Mr.. Grunebaum, who, Infatuated with
her beauty and grace when she was IN
full health, WAS no less faithful when
misfortune bcf,l her.
This devoted Kindness had its reward,
and upon her recovery Leona married
him. and the two took immC dia.e pass.
age Tor America, in spite OF the iurious
remonstrances Cf the young mans par
ems, who opposed the match asa hu'
initiating misaliiauce. 1t proves, how
ever. that she Vienna marriage WAS H.
legal by reason OF the simple tact that
the fair Leona hal n husband living,
the same being Tommy Wall, who Tor.
merlv travelled with and assisted her In
her Irapeze performance, it being part
of his duties To be hell in mid air by
leather strap between his teeth.
She claims that Wall deserted her in
her misfortune, and she supposed that
she was bv that circumstance left free to
marry again. The fact OF the binding
force of the first marriage was not known
to Mr.. Grunebaum until lev days ago,
when steps were promptly taken toPro-
cure a divorce between LeOna Dare and
Tommy Wall This was accomplished
only Yesterday, the decree being issued
at Mattoon, Illinois, but in the interval
between the discovery OF the true state
OF facts and the enforcement, the parties
altered their relation in nowise, and this
is what makes the case especially hard
for the fashionable friends OF Mr.. and
Mrs. G..
A day or two ago Mr.. G. received from
his father in Vienna a cabegram which
read, Come back with ysur wife and all
will be forgiven" He declares bis pur-
pose to accept the protlered reconcilla-
tion and to 90 back with his vile, tax,
ing care TO have the nuptIal knot tied
over again, this time beyond the posi-
bility OF any more unpleasant slips. 1t
should be stated that the identity OF
Mrs. Grunebaum" has been carefully
concealed during her stay in this city, so
that society will suffer an additional
modification through having entertain
ed female trapeze performer unawares.