The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-03-07
Writ Issued I'm Behalf of Miss POrtia
knight, nm American, Who Was
Once on the Stage.
LATTER DESIRED SECRECY
AND SAYS SHE REGRETS THE MAT
TER HAS BECOME PUBLIC.
Arrival of the Duke and Duchess M
LondOn-Complainan a Former
Flame of the Duke.

LIVERPOOL, March cit was reported
that on his arrival here. to-day on the
White Star line steamer Oceanic from
New York the Duke OF Manchester, who,
with his bride, was a passenger on board,
was served with a writ for an alleged
breach of promise, at the instance of Por-
tia Knight, of London. The duke how
ever, said he was not served with writ,
and did not know anything of the reported
suit for breach of promise.
LONDON, March 6.-Miss Portia knight
is an American, twenty-three twenty
four years of age. She was on the stage
in New York for short time and has been
living privately in London for a year.
She referred a representative of the AS
sociated Press TO her lawyers. The writ
has been out for some time, she said, and
she did not know whether it would be
served in America or England. Miss
Knight was glad TO hear that ii had been
served in Liverpool II regret that this af-
fair has become public" she said. II
thought it would all be done in camera.
do hope it will not be taken up by the
American papers / have brought the suit
not because L desired publicity, but because
/ felt in duty bound to all my friends here
in England. Fer their sake, as well as my
own, L have every wish that the proceed
ings should be as private as possible. /
only met the Duke ot Manchester since
came to England, year ago, but really 1
must refer you TO my solicitors"
The Manchester sensation promises to
rival the Westminster scandal. Although
the Duke of Manchester asserts that the
writ has not been served upon him, this
ie r,1ifa afaria al xxyrff haS
issued and proceedings have commenced.
This entirely unexpected sequel TO one of
the most interesting marriages between
American heiresses and representatives of
the British peerage had its inception short
ly after the Duke of Manchester so sud
denly made Miss Zimmerman a duchess.
Miss Knights allegations are not yet OBJ
tainable, but it is evident that she is I'm
earnest and that the suit was brought
without any idea of gaining publicity. She
is about the same age as the Duke of
Manchester, possibly trife older. Their
acquaintance began, a representative of
the Associated Press Is informed. when
Miss knight was living I'm Stirmin's man.
sions, in London, where the duke frequent
ly visited. The employees of the mansions
say the acquaintance ripened 10 a stage
where they quarreled frequently, and that
the visits continued until only about six
months ago, when the duke no longer
called there and Miss Knight took a fat
elsewhere She is now living in London.
amid friends of position and means I'm
like the duchess, Miss Knight is a pro-
nounced brunette. with an olive complex
ion.
No one met the Duke and Duchess of
Manchester on their arrival at Euston sta
tion, London. The duchess looked extreme
ly well and very pretty. The duke seemed
rather worried. When asked by a repre-
sentative OF the Associated Press IL IL were
true that he had been served with a writ
ne replied: 1t is quite untrue. | know
nothing about the suit. l am feeling quite
tit and had "A fine time in America
Come along" said the duchess, and the
couple jumped into cab and drove OF.
They had intended to land at Queenstown
and to proceed TO their Irish home, but the
storm prevented. and therefore they de-
cided 10 come 10 London. which they will
shortly leave for ireland.
When Miss Knights solicitors were called
on they declined 10 give any details or to
do more than TO confirm the report that
Miss knight had commenced action.