The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-12-31
A ScULPT0R'S ROMANCE.
A True Story that Has the Elements
of a Good Novel.
Especial to News and Observer.)

Asheville, ~ c., Dec. ga recent
number of the Asheville Citizen contains
a love story OF real life as full of deep
and tender interest as any novel penned
by the most talented novelist The story
is this:
Twelve years ago Felix Won Briesen
came here to work on Biltmore House.
then being constructed. Mr.. Won Briesen
was sculptor. stone carver of rare
skill, and he was employed in fashioning
from blocks of limestone the curious
gargoyies and other delicately shaped or
naments Of the great chateau He was
born in Macon, Georgia, Of German Far
entage. and had the Unborn Germanic
sertilnentalsm So it was not difficult
for anyone to fall in love as did the sculp-
tor. The girl who attracted his attention
was beautiful and of pleasing manner.
She was Hiss Daisy Penland, daughter of
the late Alex. Penland. and while the
artist worked on his ornaments he
thought of this charming Buncombe girl
They were married and lived here the
hve years Mr.. Won Briesen was working
on the chateau. When this was finished
the sculptor found no other employment
mere, and it was necessary for him to go
elsewhere to look for employment, after
their two children. He went to Arizona
and New Mexico for this purpose. From
tllre to time he wrote to his wife and his
letters enclosed money. He found no en-
ployment of a character permanent enough
to justify him in sending for his wife, he
wrote her. Gradually the periods between
ms letters were extended, and then they
ceased altogether No replies came to the
Wlfe's letters and she knew not what had
become of him. There were of course
suspicion among their acquaintance. The
foreigner had tired of his love, said they.
and deserted his family. Two years pass
ed without a token from the husband and
.lhen Mr. Won Briesen procured a divorce
on the ground of desertion. The boy had
died. but the little girl was strong and
hea, INV.
Mrs Won Briesen put aside the memory
Of her one time husband and faced the
world undaunted. She studied and became
trained nurse, and so supported herself
and child.
mn~Tkose who saw the handsome woman
and knew the story of her marriage pitied
her, but she sought no pity.
It was three months ago that as from
one arisen from the dead, came a letter
from the lost husband. He wrote at
length from New mexico. lii DrIe1 he Sald
that his love for his wife had never failed,
but that failure TO secure satisfactory en-
ploymont had disheartened him and he
was loath to write. But now, he wrote,
he was prepared to take care of his be-
loved wife. relative had died and left
him $4,000 in available securities and he
wished his wife to join him.
This message was so astonishing that
naturally it was not readily credible.
The wife wrote in reply and correspond
enoe ensued. lie, TO prove his sincerity.
said that he would give to his wife and
chJ .&&~d-}6rge proportion of his inheri-
lance. Mrs. Won Briesen wrote her hus-
band to come here. He came last week
and a complete understanding between
them was reached. Mr. Won Briesen
brought with him certificate from
trust company emitting the bearer to
marketable stocks and bonds worth thous-
ands Of dollars. This he gave to his late
wife.
The divorce was no bar to true love of
course-there is said to be none. On Mon
day afternoon the separated husband and
wife were remarked at Swannanoa by
Rev. s. p. Eskridge, of the Farm School
Presbyterian church.