The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1894-06-14
Lillian Russell Reported to Have
an Offer of Marriage.
A RECREANT LOVER RETURNS
The Banker IL an Old Friend of the PrI-
ma Donna, who Has Long Been
Infatuated with Her.

ton IN new IOIk last WCcht huioubu
the rumor that she was to bring suit
against John Chatterson, better known
as Signor PerugIni, for divorce.
There is nothing to say regarding
the story except to deny it," said Mr..
Hummel, Lillian's attorney. "Miss
Russell's personal affairs, so far as law
is concerned, are in my hands. She has
left everything in my hands, and she
has not asked me to ocgin divorce pro-
ceedings nor have advised such step.
Nothing of the kind is now contem-
plared.n
In contradiction of the above state
ment by Mr.. Hummel the New York
journal says:
There is a well.defned rumor in the
financial district that Lillian Russell
had good rensons for breaking away
from her tenor husband, even had he
not been guilty of the acts of mission
and commission that she has accused
him of in her recent open letter to the
public.
Some two years ago she made the
acquaintance of wealthy banker,
whose name appears on the list of men,
bcrs of the New York stock exchange.
Els name suggests Italian origin and
his fortune is variously estimated at
from $50 900 to 81 900, 900. This gen
tleman, who 10 a bachelor about 40 years
Of age, became infatuated with the
piima donna, and was anxious to do
everything for her comfort, but he put
should meet her at the stage door
every evening and take her home
In her carriage.
He also refused to obey her within, so
it is said, when Miss Russell command
ed him to accompany her on her tours
10 the provinces. He declared that
much a. he thought Of her he could not
AFFORD to take tho chances of having his
business wrecked Just for the sake Of
satisfying foolish caprice.
Miss Russell could not see his argu-
ment In that light. She II reported to
have said that II he thought more of his
business than he did of her 1t was about
time they we're separated. The banker
tried to explain that everything in the
financial district was in a state of
chaos, and that by going with her opera
company on An extended tour he might
In "a hours be bankrupted, and that in
such event the resources of .heir future
Happiness would be cut of.
Miss Russell, so the story goes, was
obdurate. She refused to listen to any
thing Of the kind. The will OF her mil
lionaire admirer was rs strong as that
of the prima donna and they parted in
anger.
They did not meet again until few
days before Miss iusselps marriage to
Perugini, when the banker met the
prima donna In front of the Claremont
hotel on the Riverside drive. After a
courteous bow he went over to Miss
Russelps carriage and said:
III understand, Misc Russell, You are
going to marry Signor Peruginil"
Eyes, 1t is true,n Miss Russell replied
land honestly believe have at last
found man that can appreciate and
that appreciates me. II l hnd l have
made mistake it will be my own
fault.n
'What thenl"
h. L..
to have been given, al cannot but thini
of how many happy days We spent to
gether, and how foolish We ever were
to quarrel over small matter. II yor
had done what asked you to do moi
think would have had as great re
gard for you as l have now. Good-by
don't forget TO let me know that yor
still think of me few days hence
when am Mrs. Chattcrton."
The banker did not forget, If tn,
story told by reliable authority is true
The night before the wedding an i'm
mense boquet of pansies were sent t.
Miss Russelrs house. There was n,
name attached to the card on which
were the words
"You see you are not forgotten BY
your old friends"
Next morning very simple yet beau
tiful finger circlet of diamonds was sem
As wedding present to the primo
donna. No name accompanied tn,
gift, but 1t was sent by the same maj
whose Ars, peace offering since tn,
quarrel was the boquet of pansies. A
look of momentary sadness oversprea,
Miss Russelps face as she took up tn,
dainty gift and put it on the fngel
that was soon to be adorned with
wedding ring.
81 have no engagement ring" she Il
reported to have said In the room be
fore she started for the carriage tina
was to take her to the alter and he
new husband, tbut this will serve, a,
dear friend sent 1t to me, and know
he win not be angry III wear it OF
this occasion"
Long before the public was taker
into the prima donna's confidence ant
told of her troubles in cold type, thi.
friend of Miss Russell was let into tn.
secret. He advised her, so 1t is said
to try and bear up for awhile and see
II matters would not right themsclve.
In the end. Instead Of that matter.