HER SAILOR LOVER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 65, 16 March 1907, Page 13

HER SAILOR LOVER.

AN INDIAN FLIRTATION THAT ENDED IN DIVORCE.

Mr Lawrence Seabrooke married bis wife, Helena, on October 9, 1902. They sailed for India on October 31, the husband having obtained an appointment under the Indian Government, and at Aden they changed to the P. and O. liner Persia.

One of the junior officers on board, said Mr "Walter Frampton, the husband's counsel in an action for divorce heard recently, was Mr John Mordaunt, the fiancee of Mr Seabrooke's sister. During the voyage the young wife and the sailor became very friendly—so friendly that the husband raised objection.

All the way from Aden to Bombay Mr Mordaunt spoke, disparagingly of tbe life the young couple would lead in India, poisoning the wife's mind, it was suggested, with regard to her future. The fact re.mained that the wife began to make complaints, which ultimately caused her husband to obtain leave of absence and return home.

His work as civil engineer took Mr Seabrooke to the Midlands for about five months. Mrs Seabrooke suggested a separation to her husband on the ground of their different temperaments. The husband refused to enter into any agreement, but his wife would not return to him, and later admitted having stayed with Mr Mordaunt at a Southwold hotel. The day following her confession Mr Seabrooke wrote the following pathetic letter:—

My Dear Helen,—l can think of nothing else but tbe awful news you gave mc last night, and the more I think of it the more horrible it seems, for I lo.e you so. But lam not going to write about it. This is to advise you that I am going to petition for a divorce as soou as possible, and Mordaunt will be served with the writ immediately be arrives in England.

I have told my solicitor I have no wish (on your account) to get him removed from the P. and 0., and I have written advising M. to accept the writ without making a fuss, as it has to be served. I understand that it will be at least tw«lve months before a decree absolute can be granted, so that I fear you have an unpleasant time ahead. I got home last night at 12.30, feeling absolutely desperate. You will never know what your action means to a, and I am very sorry for you, and s_all still hope.—Your devoted Boss. The wife replied: '""""" My Dear Lorrie,—l am feeling for you very, very much, though it is hopeless saying so. But perhaps after all it may. be a grain of comfort to you to know I am not heartless. You were very good in all you said the other night, and I shall not forget Perhaps some day, who knows—but try and keep straight for Molly and mc. I may say that, as you still love mc. God bless and comfort you, Lorrie, as far as possible. Don't think lam happy. I am suffering for the wrong I have done you, and shall still more, I suppose. Yours, with love, Baba"

Evidence having been given, a decree nisi was granted with costs against the respondent and co-respondent. The husband was allowed custody of the one child of the marriage.