The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1921-10-02
LONDON. sept. a.,

LONDON, Sept. 24y
THE drowning OF the Earl of Craven
has had a most unexpected effect
on the fortunes of his only son and
his young wife, the former viscount and
Wseountess Ellington. For several months
previous to the tragedy in the harbor Of
Cowes Ellington and his wife had been
living apart, ard the wife. the daughter Of
the Scottish town clerk, Mad sued for 10
separation. IL the English courts, :
But since the tragedy they have become
reconciled and all indications, point to a
happy outcome. Back of the simple state
ment that the new Countess has withdrawn
her suit and is living with the newly-made
Earl in his handsome London home lies q
much-tangled story-a story that had its
foundations In one of the prettiest ro-
mances that London society has enjoyed
for generation. +
Ellington Is the only child of the Coun-
tess of Craven, who was the only daughter
of the late Mr.. and Mrs. Bradley Martin.
of New YORK. Heir to his father's'title and
estates. he is also heir to his mothers
great fortune. and, naturally, as he grew
to manhood, was one Of the highly-desired
matrimonial catches in Great Britain.
He might have married a princess, a
duchess or any one OF the titled women OF
Europe His mother wanted him to choose
bride from the most exalted circles OF
England His father, who had married an
American girl for her wealth. made nc at
tempt to marry him off. feeling that HIS son
should choose bride to please himself,
there being no reason for him to marry
solely for money He supposed, however,
that his sons wife. would be OF equal rank
with himself
But Just after his nineteenth birthday
Ellington startled his parents and London
society by announcing his marriage to
Mary George, the eighteen-year-old. dough.
ter of the town clerk of Invergordon, with
whom he hal fallen In love while stationed
with his regiment nearby. n
It was a wartime romance pure and
simple, for it vast the result of that hectic
year of 1916, when all England was under
arms. and Uffington, like all other youths OF
his birth and training, faced almost certain
death on the battlefield Of France While
stationed Near Invergordon, preparatory to
going Into active service, the young Wis.,
count, whose marriage It was hoped would
be an important SOCIAL event, met the very
pretty Molly George, whose family was OF
very plain hat decent extraction. f
I'm. those days of warfare all men, no mat.
ter what their rank or wealth, looked alike,
and all girls were ministerihg angels
Within SIX shoJt. weeks UnihgtonS and
Molly had fallen deeply In love, and BY the
seventh week they were married.
The marriage was secret affair known
only to two friends Of the bride and bride
groom who were needed as witnesses. A.
few days later the Viscount appeared az I
IL Chesterfield Gardens. his parents town
house, and presented his bride ito his
amazed family. To say that the Cravens
were annoyed Is to put II mildly. The
Counteass dearest hopes were frustrated
and the Earl while more broadmihded than
his wife. had hoped for o more notable,
marriage TO. his heir.
II was wartime, however, and the Wis.,
count was iadiantly happy. It might be-,
too, that he would never, return frors