The Washington herald., 1907-03-17

lpapef offices. says q dispatch to the New
lYefk Herald, prove that there is vide
spread interest in the case OF the Rev.
Charles r. Puffer. a distinguished Uni
yersaiist minister Of Salem, and Mrs.
Eleanor 81 Puffer, his wife, who have
agreed 10 live apart for a period Of three
full years. ut the termination Of which
trial divorce they viii proceed 70 the
state courts and have their amicable
separation made legal-providins they do
not change their minds.
This unique experiment Of Mr.. Puffer
and his wife is said TO be the most novel
attempt to solve the problem of connu-
bal infencity ever tried in New England
To make the experiment binding, the
minister and his wife have consulted two
distinguished local attorneys and have
both voluntarily affixed their signatures
to an agreement, which, as in the case Of
a lease or any similar contracting docu-
ment. stipulates three full years as tbs
duration Of the compact.
Mr.. and Mrs. Puffer mutually unite in
affirming that they viii live apart during
the time specified: that divorce shall
not be sought ih:tl the end Of that time.
and that neither shall say 4 mean or IN
kind thing about the other
On Mr.. Puffer's part, he avows that he
win pay SO for each month that passes
TO his wife. and in case divorce IS I'm
ally granted ne stipulates that Mrs. Pull
fer shall have $500 in clean cash as quit
claim.
Mr.. Puffer. who strI regularly dis
courses upon theology to the fashionable
gatherings at his church each Sunday,
and who holds a reputation enviable
and above reproach IN Salem, is averse TO
much publicity concerning the unique
plan which he and his wife have adopted
TO fathom their affections.
This is all that he viii say at present
concerning tie friendly disagreement:
SuPpOsitiOus Case.
"Supposing q man had lived with his
mother-we will say-for thirty years. and
then suddenly he should move away ard
leave her and set up house for himself.
The logical inference would be that
the two did not agree. The son might
still continue 20 support his mother and
be mindful Of her interests and welfare
but both mother and son might realize
that serious MISUNDERSTANDING were 90
be avoided only BY dwelling apart
The pUblic's version Of the experiment.
however, might imDlicate reasons which
would be d.stastefU 10 both, and errOn-
eOus we'll
I do not ike to discuss the reasons for
our separation. il being purely an ar
rangement between my wife and myself
Mr.. Puffer Is one OF JBe-best known
preachers among UniveFsalist divines In
New England, and this Sudden rift in the
/ matrimonial lutte, while the cause OF
much speculation and surprise among his
many friends and parishiOners. has not
altered his relations with his church, and
he still continues his pastOrate while liv-
ing apart from Mrs. PufteT.
: On the other hand Ms Puffer has al
ways been regarded as the pastors clos
est assistant as well as deeply afIec-
ti0nate wife, and during the twenty-five
years of her welded life has taken
warm interest In al church matters, as
sisting in Sunday school work and being
well known as d lecturer on literary and
social subjects.
Both Deeply Affected.
Personally. l.e minister is q little under
medium height with gray eyes. a reddish
mustache. sandy hair and somewhat
given to rotundity When speaking upon
the subject OF separation from his wife
he evinces the profoundest regret both
in manner and words. and this plainly ap-
parent grief has been the cause of many
OF his friends laying the blame upon Mrs
Pufer.
The latter. however. also betrays much
J, feeling over what has occurred.
This is what she says:
Il would do nothing that would harm
Or. Puffer in the eyes OF his parishioners.
nor would ] have it understood that
have deserted him. il was d mutual
Il agreement that is ALL
Mrs. Puffer is of a pleasing personality,
with handsome features and deep, lus-
trous eyes She is somewhat younger =
than her husband and has been regarded
as one Of the most charming matrons in
the Witch City.
Since the day of separation she has
been residing with friends in Brookline,
and up TO the present time has continued.
as has her husband 10 keep strictly TO
the letter of their agreement
The matter-Of-factness Of this trial d.
vorce" has been compared by the couples
mutual friends in Salem 10 that OF Well
known histrionic pair. 4 few years ago.
after having lived happily together for
some time. and then found that love was
waning. this couple met at the dinner
table one evening, and after consider
able silence the wife remarked.
Dream Shattered.
'Wen. Jack, I'm afraid the gilt has all
worn off Of our dear little idol"
And Jack, looking up with q smile. re
piled:
Yes. Marion, dear, I'm afraid it has"
SO We won't try to cherish it any long
er2- also smiling
NO, Marion"
And without further comment the next
morning Jack assisted Marion to pack
up her luggage and lie took her to the
railway station, purchased her A ticket
for Oklahoma, sOlCtously kissed her
Igood-hy. with a smile. and Marion steamed
laway West TO obtain the decree as soon
as an expedi- ious law would permit.
Neither was quite sure that after twenty
two years they could do without the other
for the remainder of life. but they decided
10 sec just what would be the result OF
a little unique experiment.
II was quite problematic They felt that
three long years without a word from
each other. without a smile or an ex-
change OF friendship, would settle the
question of the future
Youthful Detective.
From the Youths Companion.
Bobby's mother had taken him 10
church to near the evening sermon. and
they occupied seats in the gallery, where
there was more room than on the main
floor Bobby tried not to allow his atten-
ton to wander from the preacher, but II
did he seemed TO be particularly inter