Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-09-13
LOVES DEVOTION.
Thrilling PistOry Of an Old Time
Belle.
RISING FROM POVERTY TO MILLIONS
An Event Which Moved to Its Depths the
Social Circles ofSt. louis-"Truth
Stranger Than Fiction"

ST. LoUIs, September 12.-At q private
residence in this city this afternoon the
rrovning scene Of q most romantic and
touching story was witnessed by corre-
spondent and few intimate friends of
those directly Interested. AS gathered by
the correspondent, the facts in the case
bear out the oft quoted assertion that
truth is stranger than iction," and are
about as follows:
Some years ago there lived in the city Of
Mobile, Ala, = family named RiVes, con-
sisting of q father, mother and three
daughters, aged respectively Z, Is and Il
wears, the girls being remarkable for their
beauty, and the two eldest, especially, ex-
eeedingly well educated and accomplished
and most brilliant pianiSts. Colonel
Rives was largely interested in several
plantations, possessed property in the city
of Mobile proper, and was regarded as one
of the leading citizens. ReyerSes OF for
tune came, however, and the once wealthy
family were soon reduced to decidedly
small means. One day Colonel Riyes was
accidentally killed by the explosion OF q
steam boiler upon one OF his plantations
their mainStay and support and thrown
upon the charities Of a world unGeeling
and selfish at the best.
Gathering together the remnants OF what
was left Of her husbands property. Mrs.
R;yes decided 10 leave her Southern home
snd come 10 s. Louis to begin the battle
for existence. The money which they had
sutFiCed for some months, but at last their
means gave out, and the only alternative
was for one OF the daughters to obtain some
employment by means OF which the wolf
might be kept from the door. Alter seek
ling in vain for some occupation IN keeping
with her former surroundings.
The Eldest Daughter, EIOise.
was forced to accept position as chamber
maid in the Hotel Hunt, at the corner Of
Ninth and Chestnut streets. The mother
ard two Youngest girls meanwhile secured
accomUJ JdatiUns at the residence OF a KIDD
hearted lady named Mrs. A. B. WaterhOuse,
who lives at 1910 Pine street, and who reaiI-
ly appreciated the hard lot which had fallen
TO the distressed family. Like q true
daughter, Eloise devoted her earnings,
small though they were, toward the sup
port Of her mother and two younger sisters.
and, with the assistance of an aunt who
also came from Mobile, life was made COM
paratiyelY comfortable for them.
The beauty and attracuyeness OF ElOise
proved a strong drawing card for the hotel,
and many festive and innocent drum
ner stopped there in the hope OF ulti-
maiely gaining favor in her eyes. But
she was discreet and kept all admirers st a
distance, with the exception OF young
man who was employed in Fourth street
business house as a bOokkeeper, aud who
fell paSsionately in love with her. Another
adorer who was connected with sewing
lii le lad ~ ~
for her, but she did not appear 10 receive
bis advances with favor, and gave her at
feCtions to Seid. This regard soon deepen
ed into love, and the two finally became
engaged, but after q short time.
A Quarrel Took Place
and the engagement was broken. This oc-
cured nearly three months ago. About
this time there came to the hotel German
gentleman from Colorado named r. S.ager,
a chemist and metAlIurgisC by profession,
snd who resided in the village OF Garfield,
a thriving hamlet in the Centennial State.
Fortune having been kind to him, he had
gained q competency amounting TO about
81, 600 Coz. Upon arriving he Immediately
fell violently in love with the pretty
chambermaid aud Miss Riyes was then
able TO boast Of two lovers who swore they
were both ready TO die for her, with pos
sibility Of the rejected one doing likewise
il she 50 desired. The girl did not receive
Stsger's attentions with favor, he being
more than twice her age, so she kept her
self fancy free, for all that the out'ide
world knew. Stager went back to Colorado
with the intention OF forgetting her, II
possible, but found himself unable to do
so, and after staying away about one month
returned 10 st. Louis again, stopping at the
Hotel Hunt, loving the girl as fondly as
ever, but she still refused TO give him any
encouragement. About three weeks ago
Miss Riyes' eye became affected, and being
seriously i'll, she was obliged 10 leave her
plsce in the hotel. Mrs. WaterhOuse took
her to her own home, where she could
be properly cared for aud where moth
ers tender hands could ease her daughters 3
pain.
and loyalty BY night and by day me thought
Of nothing but
The Girl He Loved.
Flowers, fruit and every dslicacy obtain
sble he had sent to the mouse where his
love lsy sick. Every expense was paid by
him, and he used his money solely for her
ttne(it. Her heart could not withstand
these proofs Of bis devotion, however, and
against the wishes Of her family she con-
ssnted to become his wife. Yesterday was
fixed upon as the wedding day, and at =
O'Clock in the afternoon Or. NiuCil appeared
ut the residence Of Mrs. Waterhouse for
the purpose OF performing, the
ceremony. The girl soon to be a
vile still occupied her bed, un
able to be moved. Sweet smelling flowers
graced the room, and in her band she held
a burch Of forget e.nOts. Through the
open window the sun shOne brightly,
throwing slanting sunbeams upon her
wasted form. At her side stood her future
husband. while around the bed were gath
cred her mother and sisters, Mrs. Water
house, who bad helped to nurse her, few
frierds OF the family and Globe Democrat
reporter. SOlemnly and quietly the two were
welded and joined together for life. Dur:
ing her sickness she had become blind, and
while the ceremony was being performed,
helplessly extended her arms to her lover,
rs II to keep him ever near her, and as he
placed the wedding ring upon her finger
bird flew in at the window aud perched
upon the head OF the bed. Though his wife
will probably never rise from her bed again,
Stsger insisted that the coming Of the bird
wss a good omen, and a sure sign that his
love would recover. IL she does, which is
earnestly hoped will be the case, he will
have 3 wife who has been tried and not
found wanting"
uttnu nASTInGC nEAn