The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-05-15
DEATH RECALLS
TE R|BLE TALES
Passing of Count Montsaulnin
Rcvives Gossip Of Two
Years Ago.
THE WILKINSON MYSTERY
Wealthy Southern Woman Al
legged to Have Been
Poisoned.
THE WILKINSON MYSTERY
Especial Cable to Tho Times Dispatch
ny VANCE THOMPSON.

Paris, May 14.-Thc death OF Count
most ancient houses OF France, for
mer president OF the Jockey Club. and
for the last forty years one OF tho
leaders of aristocratic French society,
rcvives certain terrible tales which
were current two years ago, when Mrs.
Hewitt Wilkinson. a wealthy Southern
woman, 80 mysterously died.
Mrs. Hewith wilkinson was said to
have been poisoned for the purpose
Of getting at her great fortune of
100000, as well as her costly col
lection of pictures. tapestries aud
other works OF art. She was the
daughter OF Colonel Hcwith, OF the
Confederate Army. and was the niece
Of Mrs. Walker Fern. whose husband
was United States Minister Greece
ana Roumania. Mrs. y rnson's
mother was the charmi-. wife OF
Colonel Hewitt, who dice s.t,ing for
the Lost Cause, and she rn3:t-ted Count
Zborowski.
Among Mrs. Hewitt Wilkinson $
closest friends were Mr.. and Mrs. Car
ton French. who invariably visited her
in Paris. and used to send her presents
OF NlESlnld nam, VI s''iO a.
tremely fond. Her husband. Mr..
Wilkinson. belonged to a wealthy Eng
lish family long settled in France.
When he died he left her a huge FOR
tune in money and art treasures.
once Engaged TO the Count.
when "a girl" Mrs. Wilkinson was
engaged to Count Montsaulnin, but
she was not rich then, and the nooie:
man brokc off the engagement ahd
married the daughter of her step
father. Count Zhorowsk.
Two Years ago Mrs. Wilkinson told
her friends that attempts were being
made 70 poison her Once she nearly
binted that an English nurse had ad-
r,tnistered a triple dose OF dangerous
prescription. but DR.. Papus succeeoeH
In saving her. For two months oetore
nor death she was practically Sc
ouestered and even her most intimate
friends were not allowed TO WISH ne
Her death was stated TO be que TO
blood poisoning, but there was d
nor, that she died from eating pols-
oned apple.
ON the night OF her death wagons
,,..rc waiting in the street near the
house. and within an hour from
the moment she drew her last hreath
,bss wagons drove off filled with val :
rable art treasures. which mad hastiiy
hecn brought down from heT aPht
,nents. Mrs. Wilkinson used to sleep
IN Tho Empress Josephine bed, which
rane from Mnimaison. and even ,his
was carried off Her lawyer. Maitre
Frederic Allan. fastened to atf'S ON :
cial seals to her apartments. but 'hoss
Who carried off the treasures got
ahead OF him by some hours.
left Sweetheart Her Fortune.
Mrs. wilkinson loft all her property
N count dc Montsaulnin. the man
-, whom she was betrothed In early
you,h He did not live long TO ENJOY
{, indeed. since her death he lived IN
re,,rement and seemed to be hauh'eo
b,. fear of an impending evil
Another tragedy In his family aaae"
IN HIS desire for isolation. rms was
tho sudden death of his wife's brother
I,ouis Zborowski. which almost coin
cided with that of Mrs. Wilkinson. II
Vac said at the time that Louis
nhorowskt committed suicide. He was
found dead under wrecked automo-
bile. Count Montsaulnin died IN greas
agony The contents of his Will arc
as yet unknown.
At his funeral the most conspicuous
nourner was ]. Pierpont Morgan. The
+ count aud Mr.. Morgan met frequently
Mt the home Of Boston French. This
romance and tragedy has never been
publicly told, but the sudden death
OF Mrs. wilkirson's former fiance has
revived the old rumors, which are
now discussed in every salon In Paris
Mrs. Wilkinson was one of the most
accomplished American women In