The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-04-13
And Secretly Marries Miss Sophia Lees,
an Irish Lass HE Knew When
She Was in Short Frocks."
HE SAYS IT WAS FOR LOVE
Not for Money, Like His Match
with Mrs. Frank Leslie.
The Latter Expresses Great Surprise at
Willie Wedding Poor Girl-The
Gould-Tyler Quarrel.

LONDON, April 12.-Willie Wilde, former
ly the husband of Mrs. Frank Leslie, and
Miss Sophia Lees were married q few days
ago by special license in this city. The
bride is the granddaughter of Mr.. Thomas
Orde Lees, of Merrion, near Dublin. Mr..
Wilde claims that prior to his marriage he
consulted high legal authorities in America
In regard to his right to again marry, and
that finally he obtained the authority of the
chief registrar of Somerset House regarding
his position.
In an interview tonight Mr.. Wilde said
that fortunately he did not take out citizen
ship papers during his residence in New
York. He added: 1.-THE American courts
have no jurisdiction over me- 1 allowed the
action brought against me by Mrs. Leslie
to go by default. The New York court
said 1 would not be allowed TO marry again,
but 1 am advised that this decision is not
binding. Possibly 1 might have trouble if
1 went back to New York Stace, but no
where else In America. / have no present
intention of going to the United States.
No, Mrs. Leslie knows nothing about my
marriage. She is still in frequent ccm-
munication with my mother, Lady Wilde.
Il do not desire to say anything against
Mrs. Leslie; simply we did not get on
together. l saw her on business when she
last in London. Our Interview was
friendly, but we have not corresponded
with each other. She wished 10 condemn
me to a life of immoral celibacy as pun
ishment for my deeds in America. My
marriage, which was solemnized on Jan. IL,
was kept secret for family reasons. Only
my family, the family OF my wife and a
few intimate friends were cognizant of the
event. The arrangements for the marriage
We're sanctioned by my wife's mother Lady
Wilde and my brother Oscar.
MY bride. who is several years my
Junior, comes of an old Irish family. I
married for love this time | knew her
when she was in short frocks. Her father
is secretary of the Board of Trade in
Dublin. Her mother is a member Of the
Rowley family, who are descended from
the famous Admiral Rowley Her sisters
are all married to Irish gentlemen. My
wife is well known in artistic circles In
London. She has a strong vein of Hi
berr-tan humor and is very popular in
tor to the journal The Queen. Our honey
moon was spent quietly at the picturesque
fishing village Broadstairs. We are about
to reside near Lady Wilde.
Il am continuing my dramatic criticisms
and will shortly publish volume of poems,
many of which were written in my early
also probably i produce s' play. possibl w."
Mr.. Wilde added, smlingly, ION the In
tricacies of American marriage, law in
reyerting to his past ties, Mr.. Wilde said
while / deplore the fact Of the divorce |
am perfectly confident that have done the
conciuded by saying: 'iAs for the rum nor
that Mrs. Leslie stated when she was in
London that she is still my wife-well. 1
am glad that that question mas been logical
ly and legally disposed off,