Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-12-14

fortune on his daughter. but after her mar.
rage he did continue her allowance. This,
however, did not place her, financially, on
par with the young married women who
formed her social setting.
In plain English, even so early in her
married life. Mrs. Stevens found that she
conld not compete with the gay Long
Island colony. led by Mrs. Harry Payne
Whitney Mrs. Willie X. Vanderbilt, airs.
George T.. Baker, Jr., Mrs Goadby Loew
and others whose incomes ran into many
millions Being high spirited and fond OF
giving as good as she received. Mrs Stev-
ems became unhappy
One Of her greatest complaints was that
her husbands interest in politics interfered
with his money making, and she tried hard
to make him give up his ambitions and
settle down 10 grubbing for wealth.
Now. Mr.. Stevens takes his public duty
very seriously: he had ideals and he
wished 10 preserve them: also he really
longed to give his beautiful wife every
thing her heart was set on. AS n lawyer
with social background Mr. Stevens real
lied that while Greenwich Village may be
q state OF mind, Fifth avenue is undoubt-
edly state OF the pocketbook. but even
this realization could not make him change
his method OF living and working.
The seventeen years difference between
the husband and wife suddenly became
very apparent he saw himself ten years
from now n settled man OF ffty-sx, with
a brilliant. society-loving wife of thirty
three or four eager to be a real leader
In her set and more than eager 10 have
millions a her command. This depressed
him. but served to make him work harder,
Gay and night.
His wife. naturally saw the same picture
She also saw her husband wearing himself
out in his effort to 1.-Two up to his ideals.
She developed even greater unhappiness
and depression
Last Summer she wanted to take
Southampton house and assume a promi-
nent position in that very smart and ex-
pensive colony. Air. Stevens refused and
suggested that they spend the Summer
quietly at Easthampton, just q short drive
from the gayer place.
There were many bitter discussions be-
fore this course was decided upon. Finally
the husband and wife appeared at the
hotel in Easthampton and after few days
visit the former returned to New York and
business and the latter spent her days
with her friends In Southampton, but max.
Ing the hotel her headquarters.
Mr.. Stevens, according to the hotel pro.
brietor. did not come down to IIasthamp-
ton again. Shortly after noon on August
L cries OF n woman calling for help
were heard on the beach and a crowd Of
bathers rushed toward the hotel Mrs.
her room unconscious from loss of blood
and from some internal trouble due, it was
said, to poison. Doctors called, took her
instantly to the Southampton HOSPITAL.
eighteen miles away. and superhuman
efforts were made to save her life and to
keep the trouble complete secret
Mr. Stevens was sent for. but he, like
every public official and personal friend.
refused to talk.
And SO for four months the conspiracy
OF slience mas done its full work Society
talked for while and then decided to
await the course Of events. The published
report OF Mrs. stevenss divorce suit
against her husband proves that watchful
waiting sometimes has its reward.
Mr.. Stevens, It ia said has entered no
protest. but Will let the divorce 60 through
unquest1oned. Society smiles confidently
and says that before long It's CURIOSITY
Will be gratifed and the true explanation Of
the Easthampton mystery will be known.
1t Is no puzzling thing for society.bred
women to get divorces, but attempted sui.
eide is very different,