LOVER WHO YAWNED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11148, 5 August 1914, Page 7

LOVER WHO YAWNED.

STORY OF "TOD FEELING" ' AND A PARTING. AFFECTIONATE GOOD-BYE. Seldom has a romance been ended by a yawn, but this annoying thing has been responsible for parting a young man and woman who figured in a breach of promise case in Mi Jusicc Sanlcey's Court in London. Yawns not only led to tho ending of their engagement,, but may bo said to have cost the fatigued lover £ls. For that \>as tho amount of damages awarded against him by tho jury. The lover in question was Mr Herbert Kenry Zeol, of Stoke Newington, whose father carries on the business of clinical thermometer maker in Turnbull ice , Farringdon Road. Mis. Florence A. Oxley, a typist, of Nelson Road, \vanstead',' who obtained damages against him, wept at ono period of her evidence. The young man and woman, Mr Whatelv explained, met in 1910. Mr 'Zeel paid Miss Oxley great attention. In 1911 they became on affectionate terms. The engagement went on in the happiest way through 1912 and 1913, said counsel, until the evening at the end of 1913, when Mr Zeel yawned. Mr Zeel had called' as usual, said Mr Whatelv,' and yawned, a thing which was not serious, but not very poll • He did this once or twice. At he said lie must bo off. He usually stayed until 10 p.m. Annoyed by in, yawns and bis hurry to get away, Miss Oxley said, " It is a pity you came at all " Beinff sorry for her remark, sne wrote an apologetic letter next day, asking him not to remember _ the remark she had made, and' saying that slio never intended to hurt his feelings. \ , Tho return post brought her a reply in a registered letter, which said "Dear Miss Oxley,—l was extremely hurt by the way you treated me last night, as there was no justification for your remark. It is not the first time you have treated me unreasonably, and I have come to the conclusion that we had better part. All your people are absolutely opposed to me, and in consequence I can see great trouble for me in the future. Therefore I feel, for the benefit of both of us, it will bo better for us not to meet again. I am not prepared to put up with any more unpleasantness from your family, for there has been some of late. _ Please don't ask me to reconsider this step, as I have finally made up my mind, after due consideration that it is better for us not to meet again. lam returning vour ring, and bopo you will send back mine."

That letter, said counsel, was a tissue of falsehoods from beginning to end, for the lady's parents had always shown the defendant great kind'ness. Miss Oxley, who was dreadfully upset, went to see the defendant, and it was. at that interview that he suggested that she sgreed to tho engagement being ended. Miss Oxley, who wore a bine costume and white felt hat, then gave evidence. Dealing with the occasion on which tho defendant yawned, 6he said it 1 was about 8.30 at lier sister's home when he seemed to become bored. He yawnued several times and said he had better go home as he was tired. " I remarked," proceeded plaintiff. '"I wonder you came at all, Bert! in a joking manner. He remained a little whilo and then went, after bidding me an affectionate good-bys."