A DOMESTIC SCANDAL

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 131, 11 June 1885, Page 4

A DOMESTIC SCANDAL

Matrimonial lr Tellcity.—lmpudence and I fidelity.

An Adelaide telegram of 25th May says :— «' An incident, which bears an unhappy re- | semblance to some of Boccaccio's least cor,- I ventional tales, camo out during the hearing ' of a coui - case a day or two a^o. A wellknown merchant, whose commercial success is only equalled by the regularity of his ' Sunday observances, was until recently in i tho habit of paying nocturnal visits to a fair though frail one, whose little villa stands at no great distance from his own palatini residence in a fashionable suburb. Tho intrigue has been continued for some months without raising any suspicions in the merchant's domestic circle, and might havo pioceeded on the same even lines had he not been so unfortunate as to arouse tho ire of tho frail one's private footman who determined as an easy means of revenge to inform tho gentleman's wife of his little ' goings on.' That same night, no sooner had her husband left ' to go down to his club,' than that revengeful flunkey who was well aware what his real destination would be, obtained entrance to his house, and disclosed to tho unhappy wiio the story of her husband's infidelity. Being a woman of quick resolution, she threw a wrapper over her shoulder, and having found out the locale of the villa, took her stand close to tho gat j, determined to give her spouse a warm reception when he emerged. Unfortunately for the satisfaction of her just indignation, one of the servants observed her airive with the footman, and put hor mistress on her guard. The frail ono resolved not to bo outdone in strategy, and having fold her admirer of the position he was in, she proceeded to disguise him as a lady who might be visiting her house. His own belltopper was made effective as an improver, while a thick veil completely hid his heavy moustache. Thus accoutred they left the villa together, and passed the expectant wiio, intent upon her midnight watch. Having hailed a passing hansom, he was home in a few minutes, and with all speed sought the shelter of his far from virtuous couch. At about 7 o'clock on a cold morning the unfortunate watcber, sick at heart, crept home, only to find that her husband had been snug in bed for half a dozen hours. It is even said that tbe heartless wretch carried his shamelessness to tho height of upbraiding her for having been absent all night. Much sympathy is expressed with the lady, who is the daughter of a wealthy citizen, besides being young and charming in her own right."