The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1926-02-09
y
PINK HOUSE
ROMANCE
FADES

The "Pink Palace" has defi-
nitely divided against itself and,
like many another house torn by
discomfort has fallen. SylvanuE
Stokesyoung sSyl"and Mar
garet F'ahnestock have been sep
Rrated in the Paris divorce mill,
and are on their way back TO
America, perhaps back to WASH
ington society, unfettered by mari
tai ties which, the Capital has
known, have long prove irksome.
All during the latter part of
last year, local society knew that
the famous Pink Palace on
Massachusetts, avenue rosy-tinted
only on the outside. Inside, there
was the drabness that only the
brush of misunderstanding can ap-
ply, the toneless decoration of
lost interest.
Wed In Great State
Last Christmas found good viii
zone entirely from the home, and
the young couple. whose wedding,
the first In the National Cathedral,
was one of the greatest social
events in Washington history, were
making reservations for the trip
to Paris-and freedom.
The divorce, cables from the
French capital say, was probably
one of the most expensive on rec
ord in q city where all American
divorces are expensive. It also was
one of the speediest and probably
the most secret ever granted. The
decree was made final last Thurs
day. but. so well covered up was
the action in the court records,
that closest scrutiny failed TO re-
veal it until yesterday.
The formal court record, which
tells so much while revealing so
little. do not say what viii be come
Of the two children OF the union.
They do not mention whose is 70
Sc the pink Palace" which '-Syl"
and Margaret built as shrine for
reiuyenated hope of happiness, after
apartments, hotels, liners and other
homes of the minute had, once be-
fore. nearly wrecked their married
life. Nor do they say whose Is to
be the $4,000 yacht. Genesis, on
which young Syl was wont 70
embark on his many wander1ngS,
foosterfng the discomfort that first
led his bride to think OF Paris and
divorce.
Gossip at Work Early
1t was early last fall that the
gossip Of washington society, pre-
saying formal break IN the STORES 3
family became so loud that II
found II way into print OF course,
there were denials, but not from
the principals.
But washington society knew
what was going on behind the rosy
exterior of the Massachusetts, Ave
nue. home. An accurate indication
was given last summer when "SyT
was on one Of his wanderings on
the Genesis and Mrs. Stokes took
the children to Newport. Her wan
dering husband returned ana then
hurried from Washington to New
port to find his family They had
left Newport for Washington when
he got there.
s.Syls' gave up the chase then and
organized a yachting party and set
off for Florida. There was a wreck
and considerable publicity. Syl's'.
wife, in Washington, said she knew
nothing Of the party.
Then, about Christmas time, came
the Journey to Paris and, from that
journey, came the divorce decree.
First Cathedral Romance
Margaret Fahnestock was one OF
the most popular debutantes of her
year She had been a pupil at the
National Cathedral Schol for Girls,
while young "Syl' Stokes was a
pupil at the Cathedral School for
BOYS. That's where the romance
blossomed. and it was at the Cathe-
dral altar that it bloomed. Bethle-
hem Chapel witnessed its first wed
ding, and probably its most bril-
liant social event when, the two
were married.
The two are returning to America
on different ships. They slipped out
Of Paris before their separation
had become known.