STANLEY’S MARRIAGE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume V, Issue 40, 4 October 1890, Page 9

STANLEY’S MARRIAGE.

That gh >ri6us edifice of achievement which stands as the life-work of Mr H. M. Stanley, has been fittingly crowned and concluded by the ceremony which took place in Ueitminster Abbey on Saturday. Wedded life is a field of exploration in which heroism is no guarantee of happiness, but if regard be had to the reputation of the wife whom the explorer has chosen, lie commences his new career with every prospect of finding in it sweetness and solace after the toils and hardships he lias undergone. He has won a prize beside which all his honours and decorations are mere tinsel, and the union so happily secured has received the seal and sanction of royalty and greatness. The Queen of England has marked the occasion Ivy the presentation of a souvenir that will be dearly cherished by the happy couple ; while Stanley’s royal patron, the King of the Belgians, took part in the ceremonial by deputy. Statesmanship paid its tribute through the oldest and most distinguished of living statesmen, tire ex-Premier; law was represented by those giants of the forum—Sir Henry James and Sir Charles Russell, and by the occupant of the Woolsack ; art had such noble sponsors as Sir John Millais and Sir Frederick Leighton ; the drama sent the prince of tragedians, MiHenry Irving; literature was there in the persons of Mr Lecky, Mr Myers, and many others ; while even ‘ the almighty dollar ’ paid homage through Mr Andrew Carnegie. What more could be wanted 7 The illness of the bridegroom had given some cause for anxiety, but fortunately lie was so far convalescent as to avert the unlucky contigency of a postponement. It was noticeable, however, that the explorer was by no means well, and the ceremony was curtailed out of regard for the weak state of his health, though it still lasted quite an hour. Mr Stanley’s illness is the legacy which everyone brings with him after exposure to privation and disease in tropical climes. On the other hand, the bride, tall, robust, and handsome, was the very picture of health. May her tender nursing prove an effectual balm to the distinguished traveller, whose name she now bears ! Off for the honeymoon sped the happy pair as soon as the knot had been tied, and for the next few weeks they will rusticate in Hants, residing at the line baionial seat of Louisa Carolina, Lady Ashburton, who has graciously placed

it at their disposal. Melchet Court is a palatial castle, situated in a part of the country rich in vegetation : ami the beautiful lawn below the balcony, with its fountain and flower beds, will be a welcome retreat for the explorer and bis pretty wife. It is a curious fact that the Ashburton family have already been mixed up with the Stanley name, though not through the family of the exploier. Lady Ash burton is the widow of the second baron, and a daughter of the late Kight Hon. J. A. Stewart - Mackenzie, and is therefoie aunt to Susan Mary Elizabeth (daughter of her brother, Keith William Stewart - Mackenzie, who married Lieut.-Colonel the Hon. John Constantine Stanley, the son of the second Baron Stanley, of Alderley. As a Stewart-Mackenzie, Lady Ashburton is, of course, descended from the historic Galloway family. Her father was a son of the late Admiral the Hon. Keith Stewart, and agiandson of the sixth Earl of Galloway. The present Ear), who gained unenviable notoriety recently in the police courts, from which, happily, he emerged scathless, is connected by marriage with the family of the present Prime Minister. It was of this nobleman that Beaconsfield once said, that if he ever got the Thistle he would eat it ! A K.T., however, he was made, and he is head of one of the most ancient and illustrious Scottish families.— Ser illustration, /stye 11.