The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-02-09
HER AMBITION ATTAINED.

And here come the most interesting par.
of their story. Mrs. Woo hull-or Wood
hall now-used to declare that a prophecy
had been whispered to her from the spirit
world that she would win distinction in
public life; would come into possession
eventually of great wealth; would gain sue
cess from writing and would at last become
ruler of people Two of these predic-
tions were fairly verified in her own coun-
try; it remained for her to come into great
wealth in England; while the last is as yet in
posse, though Mrs. Woodruff bel ewes in its
realization still-or did at least not many
years ago-though in a igurative rather
than literal sense. AS to riches, Mrs.
Woodruff has secured plenty Of them, and
has now the ample Wherewithal to perfect
her many schemes for the amelioration and
enfranchisement Of her sex-a fulfllment
of prediction, by the way, that generously
included her sister Tennie in its scope as
we'll
In 1885 there was a quiet wedding cere-
mony III London, of which the contracting
parties were Victoria Woodruff and John
Biddulph Martin, the junior member of the
Lombard street banking house of Martin q
Co., one of the oldest, richest and solidest
banking houses in the kingdom The home
of Mr.. Martin is a handsome structure near
Hyde Park simply yet splendidly appointed,
with generous grounds for town residence,
including a lawn, a garden, a rare conserva-
tory and adjoining carriage house and
stables. All this, with his name and riches,
he offered to the attractive woman who
won him the first time he saw and
heard her on the lecture platform
at St. James hall, Piccadilly, and
it is over his household, which includes
several members Of the Claflin family,
that Victoria Woodruff Dresides as mistress.
Her invalid son mas his special servant, as
the oaug ter has hers, while the servants
quarters mold vast retinue of servants
from the French chef down through French
maids, chambermaids and housamaids, but
leTs aud footmen, to the various scuilery
maids, who care for the vast establishment.
The reception rooms, says one who cal cd
there and was shown the house, are very
large; the hall is Uessellated and nung with
draperies Of great beauty. and the various
other nts-hilliard-room, dining
and breakfast-rooms, boudoirs and bed
rooms-are all furnished in the quiet, lux
urious style becoming the house of one of
England's richest bankers.
But Miss Tennie not only married an i'm
mensely rich man but a title as well. To he
sure, the title is little fresh and the family
crest smells yet Of varnish, but it givee her
"A chance to parade shield upon her papei
and the panels Of her carriages. Not very
long after Victoria's marriage, Sir Francis
Cook, the W olesale dealer in India sbawls
and eastern fabrics, took her younger sister
to the altar and made her Lady Cook and
Viscountess Of Montserrat as we'll. Sir
Francis is considerably older than his bride
and widower beside, with two sons on his
hands by his former marriage with Span
lard. who are in business with them, and
married daughter. Sir Francis got his
kniRhthood on account Of his benefactions,
which have been very considerable during
the past ten years. He is generous with his
money at home as WE'LL and Lady Cook,
who once upon a time found it hard work
10 exc out her board and lodgings bill, now
can play the Lady Bountiful on grand
zcaIa