The Press., 1897-07-22
Misses Flora and Nella Hassett, o

by Misses Anna, Lillian, and Octavia Pot ter, and Miss Gertrude Homer, also of Belleville, who are guests of MT. and Mrs. Henry Gerould.
 As party of ladies and gentlemen were returning from church, at Staffordville, last Sunday morning, when near the Hydeville pond, they were met by sight that would be disgrace to the Hotten- tots of the Cape of Hood Hope. There stood three full grown men, apparently drying themselves after having been in swimming. Two of them were nearly nude, and the third was entirely so. The law governing such cases should be en- forced.
 When we assummed charge of this col- umn, just about a year ago, it was with the avowed intention of making it one of interest to people in this immediate vicin- ity; to make it weekly chronicle of the comings and goings of its residents; to furnish what local news there was, and to say kind things of all. Once in while we have indulged In a little harmless sport with someone's name, having al- ways in mind the fact that
 "A little nonsense now and then,
 Is relished by the best of men,"
 How we'll we have succeeded in our en- deavors we leave 1t for others to say. With the exception of few obituary mo- tices, which, of course, are to be expect ed, the task has been a pleasant one up to few weeks ago, and we have not been obliged to record unpleasant facts about those whom we know. But, some how things seem to be going wrong with us of late, and we have been compelled, much against our wishes, to try and fer ret out unpleasant facts and give them to the public. The case of finding the dead infant was bad enough, but the sensation of last Thursday Is far worse. It has given our community shock such as we have no recollection of it's ever having re- ceived before. Of course, we refer to the reported elopement of Frank Brown and Miss Annie Braithwaite. It certainly seems incredible that man like Frank Brown; a man of whom everyone had a good word to say occupying one of the best positions in the Riverside mill uni versally liked and esteemed by the entire community; but above all, possessing one of the most interesting families in the village-a wife and three daughters, two of whom are just budding into wo, manhood, and pupils of the High school at the Springs-could deliberately do this thing that is reported. And Miss Braith. waite, what can be said of her? Knowing them both it is hard to believe the story and 1t yet seems that they will return and clear away this horrible accusation. The facts, as obtained from reliable sources are as follows:
 It appears from Mrs. Browns statement that for some months she had been aware | that things were not as they should be be l tween MT. Brown and Miss Braithwaite and numerous words have passed between them in regard to the matter The climax was reached a week ago Saturday evening when MT. Brown and his wife were dow1 to the Springs, and Mrs. Brown saw some thing that again awakened her suspicious To use her own words, 'tshe had endured 1 it just as long as possible" and on her ar rival home, after some. talk, she told hel husband that he must go or that sht would, but the trouble fingered along unti Wednesday night, when she again tolC him that both he and the girl would hav' to leave, or she would make them trouble Seeing that there was no help for him MT. Brown hitched up his team, and afte some delays, drove to Palmer. It is as serted that before he left his team was fo some time seen standing in front of Mis- Braithwaite's. Now, about his move ments after that time no one knows any thing, until Monday, when Mrs. Brow heard from him and had proof satisfactor to her that the couple were not togethe then if they had been before; neither ha. he at that time disposed of his team a has been reported. About Miss Braith waite-on Thursday morning she sen word by George Taylor that she did no want to come into the mill that morning but that she would be in directly after din ner. Instead of loing so she immediatel began making preparations for her depart ure, telling her mother that she was goin to visit Samuel Taylor, in Worcester Sh packed a good-sized telescope case, whicl was all the baggage she had, and engage Edna Goodell to take her to the Springs On her arrival at the station she had R M. Chamberlin check her case to Palmer and then started for the Stafford Saving Bank and drew out $355, which she ha on deposit there. Returning to the sta tion, she took the 9.50 a. m. train north which is the last information obtainable regard to her whereabouts Saturda night her folks received letter from Wol cester, but she had not been there. I view of these facts it is well to withhol judgment until more definite informatio is obtained, for it is just possible that MI Brown and Miss Braithwaite may not eve have seen each other after leaving here The families that they have left behin have the sympathy of the whole village and it is the hope of all that things ma turn out mot half as black as they ar painted"
 StafRordvf1le.
 Miss Flora Booth rides new Outin wheel.
 Rev. l. P. Booth of Morrisville, Vt., i visiting relatives in this village.
 o. T. Hulett, clerk at Odell's store, ,ha been on the sick list for few days
 Miss Fife Hollingsworth and sister c Hartford are visiting their aunt, Mrs. I Washburn.
 The meeting of the Christian EndeavC Union of Stafford, at the Congregations church, tomorrow afternoon and evening : promises to be one of unusual interes