The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1904-02-07
NORD|CA'S DIVORCE
New York Papers Account of
Singers Troubles.
MELBA'S MAID INVOLVED
Believed to Be the Correspond
endent in the Case.

The New York World has the follow
ing on the divorce of which was granted
Madame Lillian Nordica:
Nine Nordica is an American and she
has been an eminent soprano for several
years Her maiden name was Lillian Nor
ton Her first husband was FREDERICK A.
Cover wealthy electrician, to Whom
she was married in Paris in lSs2 Ihey
lived unhappily together. and Nine. NOT
dica began suit for separation, but De
fore it came to trial Cover lost his Ike
in an attempt TO cross the English Cham
mel in a balloon. He left an estate OF
$500. go. and it is understood that Nine.
Nordica settled her claim for $4,000. There
were rumors that Cover survived the
balloon accident, but he was declared
legally dead.
When Nine. Nordica came to New York
in 1894 TO begin her season at the Metro
poIitan opera house. there were rumors
of her engagement to Herr Doehme which
she confirmed The marriage took place
on May 20, 1896. in indianapolis. at the
close of the musical festival Herr
Doehme is a member Of a prominent Hun
garian family, young and OF exception
ally good folks. He possesses hne voice.
and he has appeared as Parsifal al Bay
reuth.
Mime Nordica was in this country last
fall while her husband remained abroad
There were rurnors that while in Paris he
w.s too attentive TO a prima donna OF
worldwide fame, but Nine. Nordica en-
phatically denied the charge in a friendly
letter to the woman named.
When Herr Doehme arrived in this
country early last December the summons
and complaint in his wife's suit was
served upon him. Up TO that time he
believed that the differences with her
could be reconciled, and the service OF
the divorce papers shocked him so that
he spent several weeks in a santsrium
in this city
When Emma Calve arrived in this city
a few weeks ago il was reported that she
had told her friend Nine. Nordica of what
she had learned of Herr Doehmes mis-
behavior. but Mile Calve disposed of the
rumor with vigorous denial.
The American and Journal says: Ma
dame Nordica could not be found last
night Her butler. who answered the
door last night, at her residence. No. III
Madison avenue. said that Madame Nor
dica was not at home. Lately she has
been touring the west, but she has re-
turned
Herr Doehme. who remains at the Walk
er Sanitarium in East Thirty-third street.
was equally reticent when approached.
He had been appraised OF the court de-
cision, but declined to say whether he
would attempt any further action in the
case.
Since Nine. Nordica arrived in this
country last October gossip has been
busy with her name and that of her hus-
band. Nevertheless the news as 10 the
granting of the decree yesterday occa-
stoned general surprise IN musical circles
as well as among the many friends Of
the prima donna. Her life for the past
several months has been punctuated with
sensations ranging from open threats Of
violence to rumoTs of women famous in
society and on the operate stage in the
COL espondent role. 1t is generally be
lieved. however, that Melbas former maid
was the correspondent
Nordica's house was guarded by detec-
tives, and she was under constant friend
" surveillance whenever she ventured
from her Madison Square house. This
went along for weeks. Neither Attorneys
Edward Lauterbach. counsel for Doehme,
nor J. r. Solely. for Madame Nordica,
would discuss the case at all
Nordica will. it is understood, so to Eu-
rope early next month. What Herr
Doehme will do is problematical He has
no American engagement. nor Is there one
expected. Probably ne viii return to