National Republican., 1882-12-27
HE DECLARED THE DEAL OFF.
Lieut.. Teverbnugh Morrics i'm Haste, and by
the Whim OF His Newly Made Bride Finds
Leisure for Repentance.
Ghfcnno Iiernld.

Leisure for Repentance.
Clicd1o Herdld
KANKAKEE, ILL, Dec. 24,-Near the quiet
village of Momence, forty miles south of Chi
cago an incident in real life has recently oc-
Cured Of character which rarely ripples upon
the current of human events, and should be
| filed away for future generations to read how
one noble woman saved man from lifelong
sorrow.
Lieut.. John Teverbaugh the hero of this
incident, after rendering valiant service in the
late war, settled near Momence, where he is
now prominent farmer and stOckman. Three
years ago the grim destroyer deprived him of
the first partner of his joys and sorrows, and,
until lately, he has lived the life of an incon-
soabe widower, notwithstanding the kindly
advances of mature maidens Among his ac
quaintances was charming widow, Mrs. Jane
O'Brien, who lived not far from his home. On
the ides of Move nber it occurred to the lieu
tenant that the approaching thanksgiving
would be hut u misnomer to him
without "a wife. Summoning in martial
array his lady friends, he reported
favorably on Mrs. O'Breu as the Rachel
for whose Companionship he would be willing
| to render life time of devotion and service.
He at once submitted matrimonial PROPOSE
tion to the lady, which was responded to in
satisfactory manner, and as long engage
ment was not desideratum with either the
nuptials were celebrated a few days later, on
the evening of the oath ultimO. After the
wedding feast the bride and groom led the
guests in the may dance, which continued
until darkness gave place to dawn and the
sun came out on high, heralding thanksgiv-
| ing. This day was a continuation of the
festivities of the evening before, and none
seemed so happy as the newly welded pair.
As the afternoon waned Lieut.. Teverbaugh
bore his bride proudly and joyfully away to
/ hia lpfnipila sppinp nnupht but rOSputp
hue in the future.
Sometimes human hopes are not realized
at least the lieutenant's proved delusive and
evanescent. Seated by the side of her lord,
shortly after their arrival home, Mrs. Tever-
baugh leaned gently forward and broke the
holy calm of the hour by murmuring " John
in the sweetest, softest accents John clasped
her hand by way of encouraging her to eX-
press the thoughts of her heart, which he
doubted not were tender ones of himself.
John, do not love you," she continued. q
have given you my hand, but have not, and
fear never can, give you my heart" The
lieutenant had bravely led a command
on to the battlements of Fort Blake
ley, and had faced tfe enemy un-
finchingly during the siege of Vicks-
burg, but these were minor ordeals conf
pared with this last charge against the citadel
of his heart which made him falter and turn
pale. Trembling with agitation he begged
she solemnly avowed her sincerity. To his
earnest protestations of affection, on which he
was willing to wait for dividend to his ap-
peal for pity on his lonely life, she responded
John, never loved my first husband and
don't love you, and l never can. l have
made mistake, and / retract my decision
while it is yet day. We must part, l don't
want any of your property, but must have
my liberty"
Finding persuasion Of no avail, and that
first among the incomprehensble was a
womans heart, the lieutenant, who has been
on the board of trade gravely said: IL de-
clare the deal Off" The following day Mrs.
Teverbaugh was cordially invited to sign a
quit-caim to all the worldly goods with
which she had so recently been endowed, to
which request she gracefully yielded and left
the lieutenant with no one to bind up his
broken heart nor shed ray of light upon his
blighted life, although he affirmed he could
never cease to love her, which is an unfortu-
nate circumstance in case she procures a
divorce and marries again. N
1t is to be regretted that no hope can be
held out for the romantic end of this dis.
banded pair reuniting, such result being in.
compatible with the situation, the lady having
plans mapped out for divorce a year hence
and has no thought of returning to her second
allegiance, from which she had no cause tc
turn, only the seemingly normal passive con
! dition of her heart. As both parties are o.
) good standing and have numerous friends, the
affair has caused the community to stant
aghast which is the stereotyped position o
} surprise. This event is regarded as an i'm
pressive comment ON hasty marriages
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