The Sunday herald. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1866-1887, 1886-03-28
LOVE IN THE WHITE HoU,E.
A Romantic Story Launched From Albany-The
President Smitten with Its Social Leader.



New YORK, March 10, l5s6.-A very astonishing
story comes to me from Albany, where II has been
for few days the common talk of the highest and
most exclusive social circle. This tale Is simply
President Cleveland Is engaged 10 marry Miss Van
Vechten, young lady who may justly lay claim TO
being the social leader of the capital OF this State.
The lady IL tall and most beautiful In face and
figure, and she has many charms and graces Of
manner. The circle in which she moves Ia one Of
society OF Albany Is nngueslOn2bly the most dim
cult TO penetrate OF any IN the country, AMI Miss
Van vechten a rs central star. She lives In a
splendid house thnt IL situated directly across the
street from The executive mansion, where Mr..
Cleveland, when he was in ONCE. could without
diIlculty have looked into Miss Van Vechten's
window. The lady has rich complexion, dark eyes,
and wealth OF waving brown hair. There IL quite
striking resemblance between her anu Miss Jennie
Chamberain, the beautiful Cleveland girl
whose personal attractiyeness has been the
talk OF Europe for year or two back. When
State he frequently met Miss Van NeGhien at
the various receptions which occurred In the eSecu-
tive mansion ana elsewhere IN Albany ana he ex-
hbited marked preference for her society. II IA,
indeed said that he took every possible occasion 10
be at her side, and now noticed That she IL spend
ing great deal OF her time IN Washington. where
few, II any, Of the social gatherings of when the
President IL a feature are allowed 10 go by without
her presence. She IL the lady who Will be remem.
bered AZ one Of the persOnaRes concerned Ia curl
Ous story which had a tragic ending only few
months ago. There IL IN Albany young gentleman
of great wealth named Pruyn. Miss Van Vechtt n
was at one time apparently much attached 10 him, aud
when she went away to The AdlrOndacks for the sum
intT ne IIDpohtu IpT nti manu-. Nuc COhslucftl lne
matter for day, ana then, Wishing 10 take plenty Of
time for the nna making up Of her mind ON mat
Ter destined to affect her whole lie, she asked Mr..
Pfuyn TO wall for his answer until the end Of The
summer season. lie urged her 10 consent without
further delay, but sho was firm In her decision on
that point, and passed on her way. MIR. PTuyn went
10 the White Mountains 20 spend his summer and
while there he met the family OF New England
clergyman. Win one OF The two charming daughters
he fell desperately In love, and meanwhile II Is said
Miss Van Nechen accepted his proposal OF marriage
In reply he wrote her frank letter telling OF The
change that had come over MIN, aud she with
wOmAnly generosity, released HIN from hi
bargain. 1hereupnn he became engaged IL
| the clergyman's daughter The engagement was
most desirable one 10 the minister's family by reason
| OF young Mr.. Prnynis wealth, social standing, and
pleasant personal traits. The young lady seemed Il
he highly pleased win The situation, and her father,
mother, ana sister most cordially urged the suit OF
| the young Albanian. day WAS finally set for the
ceremony, and, Just on the eye OF It's approach. the
prospective bride elopeh anu weD to Europe with
| young cotton broker OF New York, with whom she
had fallen desperately In love. The results OF that
| act have been extraordinary. The Clergyman /,
reported TO have become a total mental wreck, aD1
| l believe the mother and second daughter are both
| dead Young Mr. PrnyD was terribly broken up by
this series Of events, and the tax of Albany society
that he Is going through lie al gait not calculated
to extend The term Of his earthly career. The paf
played by Miss Van Nechten In this tragic. affair was
al all illDes dgnihed ana wOmanly, and II fate has
been unkihd 10 Mr. PruyD, appears al least 10 have
cOntened Itself with treating him to dose OF hie
| own medicine. Miss Van Yeehtcn IL very hlghy
regarded wherever she may go In investigating
ths report OF her engagement to the President, ah
far as " can wei be done at this distance, have
heard he .ady spoken OF with great and universal
praise, and there are few II any, who know her no
Will begrudRe her the distinction OF marriage with
80 distinguished parsonage az the President OF the
United STATES LEAEDER RICnAHDsOs.