The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1912-03-23

VIVA 1>ASSO >~A OO~~~'SS
low, Ireland, not far from his home,
Avondale, shortly after he came of
age, writes T. p. O'Connor.
Before he was q Avondale was let
way contractor Of the Dublla & Wick
low Company. Parnell was not much
known until he took possession Of his
home and began to associate and mix
with the county families.
Parnell, being considered a toler-
ably wealthy landed proprietor, an in
fiuential person of the highest family
connections, handsome and q thorough
sportsman. riding to the Wicklow
hounds and playing cricket with all
the prominent people of Wicklow, was
naturally entertained and run after by
everyone, especially by the Wicklow
young ladies. But he at this early age
gave the girls the cold shoulder.
The first courtship, rather half
hearted one. was with a pretty Coun-
ty Wicklow girl of good family, but
rather poor, residing in the Wicklow
Hills. Her father hunted also with
the hounds and went out shooting with
ParnelI.
In consequence of hunting, shoot
ing and cricketing with the young
lady's family, he became friendly, Wis
iting frequently, also going to parties
was 1868.
His One Serious Affair.
His principal and first serious love
affair was in 1870. Parnell used to
visit his uncle Charles Stewart. 1t
uncle introduced him to $. beautiful,
fair haired American heiress of the
hest society in Paris.
Parnell was a great favorite of his
uncle. They used to sit and walk for
hours up and down in tho parlor of
Stewards flat in the Champs Elysees
in Paris. discussing American securi-
ties, especially the railways OF the
Southern states.
ParnelI, being such a chum Of his
uncle, and his uncle being & rich old
bachelor-although not old enough to
be yet discarded by the fair sex-had
the great opportunity of being thrown
among the best OF Partisan and AM
erican society in Paris and among the
richest and prettiest women of the
day.
The two bachelors had a jolly time
among the bellies Of Paris and Rome
1t was at French and American din
ncr party his uncle had him intro
'uced to the pretty blonde American
After some friendly chats and afte,
meeting at various parties. they botl
seemed to become greatly attached t.
each other-love. you may Say, at frs
sight This attachment was greatl,
encouraged by the ladys mother and
Parnell's uncle.
They became eventually engaged tt
be married, for Parnell had fallen VIC
lently in love with Miss w. She was
his first real love. which was the more
remarkable as he generally was a cole
man toward women, especially to an,
he suspected Of running after him. H,
said he liked true love, not a falls
one.
The love between Parnc,l and Mis-.
w. ripened rapidly. They were sec,
together always; became .pseparabl
in French and American society. H
was with her whenever he could be
end he watched her with the eye of
man of jealous disposition.
They were often seen Spending eve
nings walking about the Champ
Elysees, in the Bots, at the cafes
chantants, In the circus-in fact, a
oil the theaters and everywhere; the
were considered engaged by everyone
and We're congratulated everywhere.
In the autumn of 1870 Miss W..
family went to spend some time i,
Rome, as it was the custom Of boil
French and Americans to visit Rom
about October. The departure Of hi
sweetheart grieved him much, as h
could not bear the idea Of her leayins
him abruptly and alone in Paris.
Parnell Immediately determined t,
follow her to Rome, as he had nov
fully made up his mind to marry her
But before leaving for Rome he wa.
obliged first to return to ireland. Per.
haps this trip and others to Irelant
curing their engagement had some.
thing to do with future events.
After spending a week ut Avondale
he packed up his trunks and went back
to Paris to see his uncle before h,
went to Rome. All this tire he cor
responded daily with his love, telling
Il ~ %