A Romantic Marriage.

Hastings Standard, Issue 172, 16 November 1896, Page 2

A Romantic Marriage.

Some men are bom lucky, and exPoliceman Thomas James Macfarlane is one of them. Macfarlane has just retired from the Metropolitan Police Force after three years' service, with a " good conduct" certificate, and he leaves the force because of the acquisition of riches by bis marriage with an Irish lady residing in Linden Gardens, Chiswick. She is, according to the Richmond and Twickenham Times, a lady belonging to a wealthy and historic Irish family, claiming, on the maternal side, descent from the ancient Irish races of the O'N-cnw, the O'llagitns and the O'Donovans, the first of which claim in early days an unbroken line of kings in Ireland for some hundreds of years. She is said to possess important estates in Ireland which she has made over to her husband, so that the ex-Chiswick policeman has now become an Irish landlord. The story of the introduction and courtship, as described by the local newspaper, is interesting. It is stated that Police-constable M-icfai-lu.no first attracted the attention of hi* future wife by the manner in wln -h he ac quitted himself in stopping a runaway horse in High Road, '"hi.-wit-k, A casual acquaintance soon sprang into fast friendship; the i.tdy herself admits it was a case of love at first sight. But as soon as her friends became aware that a policeman was paying his addresses to her, they tried by all means in their power to stop the acquaintance, and even went the length of reporting Macfarlane to the Commissioner. The policeman, however, was not to be done, and the opposition, as in all true love affairs, defeated its object and brought the parties closer together, with the result of an early marriage. It must, indeed have been a pleasant experience for Macfarlane, when out on a long tour of duty (as well as a source of amusement and profit to the Chiswick cabmen) to be followed on his beat, as it is said he was, by his sweetheart in a hansom laden with refreshments; or, if by chance she felt indisposed, the servant would, it is further stated, be sent on similar errand. Both have now kit Chiswick and intend, it is believed, to lead a retired life in the West of England. Mrs Macfarlane, prior to her marriage, was Miss Kathleen Bad ham-Thorn - hill, and was born at C'astlekevin, near Mallow, County Cork, which for generations was the seat of the Thornhill family in the South of Ireland. She is highly accomplished, and has a graceful figure and handsome features. What is. as some will think, more to the purpose, she has inherited a considerable fortune. l"p to a few years ago she was a well-known figure in Dublin society, never missing a State ball or concert. The Badham-Thorn-hills are a well-known County Cork family.