DEATH-BED MARRIAGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11520, 3 November 1900, Page 2 (Supplement)

DEATH-BED MARRIAGE.

DYING OFFICER AND HIS WELLBELOVED.

A pathetic story has been sent from Budapest by the Telegraph correspondent. A first lieutenant in the 6th Hussars, Koloman von Mike, betrothed himself last February to a young lady at Budapest named Elisabeth Barabas. Von Mike's regiment at the time of the engagement was quartered at Klagenfurt. Soon after the betrothal signs of heart disease appeared, and as the doctors forbade any further riding, the lieutenant received indefinite leave, and sought a post in the Civil Service. With extraordinary energy, Herr van Mike commenced the necessary studies, and passed the required examinations successfully not many days ago. On the way from the examination hall to the house of his fiancee a sudden heart attack caused him to swoon away in the street, whence he was carried to-the house of Frau--I'ein Barabas. As little hope of recovery was held out to the unfortunate officer, he earnestly desired before his death to be united in matrimony to his betrothed, but as the necessary caution-money required from an officer contemplating matrimony could not be raised, the family telegraphed to the Imperial Military Chancel at Vienna for permission to marry without it. This request was immediately granted. At two o'clock in the morning the registrar was called from his bed to perform the civil function, and in the course of the same morning a Catholic priest gave the Church's blessing to the nuptials of the dying man. Two days later, Lieutenant von Mike breathed his last, and was buried with full military honours at Budapest.