Waterbury Democrat., 1902-07-29
THAT NEWTON AFFAIR

t The Newton had been married over ten years and to all appearances were still very devoted to each other. They had a pretty home and q large circle of friends who were proud to be on intimate terms with the beautiful Mrs Newton and her agreeable hus- band.
 Suddenly a pail of mystery spread over the household. Fred Newton left town suddenly and the intimate friends who called on his wife imme- diately to ascertain his destination, to- gether with all interesting details, were told by the maid that Mrs New. ton begged to be excused from re- ceiving anyone that day.
 The next morning, Mrs Newton, peeping from an upper window, saw her five dearest friends ascend the steps and shortly descend them, eager ly discussing the situation, The maid had proven an insurmonntable barrier.
 What can be the matter?" exclaim- ed Alice Hemly, who was Mrs New tons cousin. Do you suppose Fred Norton has deserted Theo?' The oth- CTS gasped at this bold statement of their private suspicious.
 Mrs Newton kept up her retirement, being excused to all callers and only leaving the house at night for a bit of fresh air and q stroll in a direction where she would escape observation. At the end of three weeks it was final ly believed that she had been aban- doned by her husband
 Then one day Mrs Newton's maid actually admitted q caller and Mrs Newton came down to receive her The lady did not remain long, for she had made q discovery of such magni. tude that she could not rest until she had spread the news. Mrs Newton's hair-her beautiful dark brown, glos- sy hair-had turned perfectly white.
 When it became known that one wis. itor had been received dozens more went to see her themselves and try if. possible to gain some admission from Mrs Newton as to the real state of af- fairs. She was at first amused, but upon learning the stories in circulation she became furious.
 The weeks grew into one month, then two. Then Newton wrote to his wife that she had better come down as the business deal was dragging and might not be completed for q long time. Margaret Matthews happened in just as Mrs Newton was beginning to pack her trunk.
 Where are you going home?o ask ed Margaret With touch of pity in her voice.
 No, Pm going south to Fred,' Mrs Newton replied.
 You wouldn't follow him up and try to get him back now after his shameful conduct!'
 Mrs Newton was seldom angry, but this was one of the rare occasions. q don't know what you mean" she said coldly, "but I think I can finish my packing better alone"
 Margaret was angry, too. You that you haven't heard what the whole street has been saying ever since Fred disappeared and you shut yourself away from your nearest friends. What turned your hair white if it wasn't your trouble with him ? It's nay opinion he's getting a divorce now, and I'm not the only one who thinks so.'
 Three days later Mrs Newton join- ed her husband When she took off her big hat and fluffy veil he gave a long whistle. N
 Say. but you're stunning with the white locks," he exclaimed .'If you had taken my advice it would have been that way for the last six years. It wasn't so hard to stop using the dye was it?"
 ''No-oh, no; there was nothing hard about leaving off the dye" said his wife sarcastically Hbut you may be interested to know that while was shut up getting back the natural color all sorts of delightful gossip was in cir culation to the effect that you had abandoned me after shocking cruelty. Then when I appeared with white hair after three weeks isolation the first woman who saw me concluded It was nothing short of a divorce that could affect me so. You should have seen the wholesale curiosity. had 253 callers last week--a perfect stream of women ill the daytime and the men came with their wives at night.'
 Didn't you get desperate and tell some one the whole truth?" incurred Fred
 No, indeed, answered his wife de cldediy. Remember, Fred Newton that the secret of my brown hair is never to be revealed"