The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1888-03-01
A LAWYERS STORY.
How He Prevented a Proud Woman From
Suing for Divorce.

How He Prevented a Proud Woman From
Suing for a Divorce.
A well-known Chicago lawyer re-
Gently told the following story. taking
good care to conceal the identity of all
parties at interest: "a year or SO ago a
married woman called at nv office and
requested private interview. She be-
longed to the best social circles. and
her husband was man of means. ]
had known husband and wife. and the
entire family, for many years. When
we were alone the woman said to me-:
81 suppose you know what 1 am
here for?'
~ certainly do not, madam re-
piled.
"'Well, 1 want divorce, and want
you to get it for me. My mind is made
up. and l won't stand it any longer
al questioned her as to the cause of
her sudden determination. learned that
she had just had one of series of rows
with her husband. growing out of al
most nothing at all. and l told her to
say nothing about her interview with
me, but to call the next day, when.
having carefully considered the matter,
would advise her rs to the best course
to pursue. She left in good spirits,
and when she came to my office the fol-
lowing day she was perfectly free from
excitement. She had left it all to me,
and had not worried about her case,
confident that l would suggest an easy
way by which she could rid herself of
an uncongenial husband-I say uncon-
genial, because that was the only OBJ
lection to him. He was straightfor-
ward, level-headed man of dollars and
cents, while she was brilliant, high
strung woman. fond of society. After
few preliminary remarks l referred
to the object of her calling. and told
her pOint-blank that she was foolish to
think of a divorce. She had children
nearly grown, and had no right to at
tach a stigma to their heritage. She
was obdurate for long time, but at
length concluded to leave the case in
my hands and went away, but at the
same time declared most positively that
she would never again live with her
husband.
Then called on the husband, and
told him l had been retained by his
wife to bring suit for divorce against
him. He was angry, and said en-
phatically that he hoped 1 would 90
ahead and win the suit. Then l took
him in hand, showed him the effect of
such a suit on the children he loved,
and the effect it might have on their
mother. At first he would scarcely
listen to me. but presently blurted out:
They're just like her. They don't
resemble me at ALL
"'Yes. that is true replied They
are as bright as any children 1 ever
met. They get their brightness from
their mother, not from you, and you
are justly proud of them for that very
reason. Now. want you 20 give me
5000, and l will send your wife away
for time until this thing blows over
81 won't give you cent
Every well; then the whole story
will be printed tomorrow. Good day.
80 haven't got 5000 in my pocket.
"'How much have you got?'
"'Only about $780,
"Give me that now and will call
and get the rest Tomorrow
VERY reluctantly he counted out
and handed me the money. The fol-
lowing day called and got 800 more,
and in 4 few days his wife and children
left the city to visit relatives and have
not since returned, although the hus-
band and father supplies them with
ample means through me. There may
or may not be reconciliation, but at
all events l have been the means OF
a sensational divorce suit,
and have protected the good name of a
most deserving family. And yet most
people say and think that lawyers live
by and gloat over domestic strife. /
feel better than if l had received re-
tainer fee of 5000 in this case, and /
have not received one cent" -Chicago
Times.