Gaiety Girl Divorced.

Hastings Standard, Issue 44, 17 June 1896, Page 4

Gaiety Girl Divorced.

In the Divorce division, London, the President heard the suit of "Perry v. Perry and Costa."—This was the undefended petition of the husband for a divorce by reason of the adultery of hi.-; wife, an actress, professionally known as Miss Catherine Lucille Foote. with the co-respondent, Giino Co;:.', Mr Priestley appeared for the petitioner, Mr Frank Mu-grave lVrry, who said that he was ii'»w a clerk, but was formerly a merchant in Sydney. He met the respondent when she was on tour with the Gaiety Company in i 59"2, and in that year he married her in New South Wales, according to the sites and ceremonies of the English Church. He afterwards lived with her in Sydney and Melbourne, and when her engagement came to an end she went, with full kowledge and consent, to her people, who lived in America. It was arranged he should rejoin her if she decided to continue on the stage, and he corresponded with her upon affectionate terms. In consequence of financial troubles he came to this country in 1894. In January, 1893, "shile living with her, a messenger came to the door. What had he got in his arms ? A whole heap of bonbons. He said they were for Miss Foote, my wife's stage name. He said they were from Gimo Costa. He handed me a letter, and he was to wait for an answer. What did you do"? I. closed the door and spoke to my wife. She wrote an answer, and I asked to see the letter. She refused and there was a scene. She saw I was determined to see the reply if I could, when she tore it i*p and threw the remains in the fire. The messenger then went away. That same evening I saw her writing a letter. I asked her ta whom she was writing, and she said her father, who was in America. She sealed the letter, put it down, and I picked it up. I put it into my pocket. To whom was it addressed ? Gimo Costa. I now produce it. Mr Priestley read the letter. It thanked the co-respondent for the "good-goodies" and regretted that they arrived when her "uncle" was present. "Was her ' nncle ' there " asked counsel, " at the time ?" Witness : No. The letter went on to state that her "uncle" was " a dreadful man," adding, " How beastly uncle's turning up when we had everything so perfectly arranged." It also thanked the co-respondent for the " glorous box of violets. You are a darling to treat me so generously, with oceaas of love, and a loving kiss," the letter being signed "Bebe." The petitioner went on to state that afterwards he got a letter from the co-respondent, addressed from Ryder street, to his wife, and lie went and saw him, when he said he had not the remotest idea that she was a married woman, but that he could not deny the adultery. Evidence was then given of the visits of the co-respondent to the respondent at a house in Montagu Place, Russell Square, where she passed by her theatrical name, and that he used to send sweets to Miss Foote. Sir Frances Jeur.e granted a ileeree nisi. There was no order as ta ! costs. i