Phantom Fortune

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 171, 22 July 1939, Page 3

Phantom Fortune

PARIS SCANDAL RECALLED A legacy of less than £IOO has just been received by a woman in Paris whose mythical inheritance of more than a million francs about 40 years ago created the worst scandal of her time. The woman is Thereso Humbert, or “La Grande Therese” as she. was then known, when she basked ia luxury and renown. Now at the age of SO she lives in a little hotel on the outskirts of Paris, and this small legacy, left her b,y her brother, Louis, saves her from absolute penury. The marriage of Thereso Daurignao and Frederic Humbert was a brilliant event in the early days of the present century. Humbert contributed to the union the name of one of the most respected families of the French bourgeoisie. Therese’s contribution was the famous “million francs,” which she said she had inherited from two American brothers named Crawford. Two nephews of the jd iailt;C)m Crawford brothers were supposed to have contested the will. Litigation dragged on for a quarter of a century. All the time Madame Humbert stated that the million francs remained untouched in her safe awaiting the court’s decision. No one thought of doubting the word of “La Grande Therese,” and no one hesitated to lend thousands to the couple who had a million francs. Then one day the safe was opened and the bubble burst. There was nothing but a few pieces of paper and cheap jewellery. Through all these years Louis Daurignae lived a humdrum life . selling thermometers and barometers. And now he, a bachelor, has died with nc surviving relatives but Therese.