Detective and mystery stories; New York (N.Y.) -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction
"Cheever, Mrs. Lydia: Born Lydia Borgen, daughter Harris Borgen, German
immigrant, who married Lydia Foley, waitress in Pearl Street restaurant.
Father made fortune in grocery business, establishing with brother in
South America a large importing office dealing in cocoa, coffee, and
fruit. At death of uncle, Lydia became heir to $100,000. Father said
to be worth three quarters of a million, but estranged from daughter,
whose marriage he opposed. As a young girl Lydia, rebellious and wild,
constantly involved in escapades, notably with an actor, James Rocker,
with whom she attempted to elope and go on the stage. Kept under strict
surveillance, but at age of seventeen ran off with Charles Bourgoyne,
young English groom at Waltby’s riding academy. Pursued and arrested
just as about to be married in New Jersey. Bourgoyne arrested for
abduction but later paid to leave country. Married at nineteen to
Stanley Cheever, through mediation of mother and a Mrs. Dorgan,
notorious marriage broker. Has become tool of husband in schemes of
raising money while leading a separate existence. Keeps private bank
account unknown to husband. Very extravagant in personal expenses which
cannot be accounted for on known income. From beginning of married life
has been conspicuous for her relations with other men, generally wealthy
bachelors, who have subsequently lost money at cards: names best known,
Edward Fontaine, Reginald Forrest, Thomas Haggerty, Jr. At present seen
frequently with R. G. Mapleson of firm of Sontag & Co.—"
"Mapleson!" said the two young men in a breath.
"I know what you mean," said McKenna, raising his hand. "Wait till I
get through"; and he continued to read in his matter-of-fact,
unemotional voice these pages of hard, glaring facts that left his
hearers straining forward to catch every word:
"At present deeply involved in affair with E. V. Garraboy. Seems to
have been introduced to the broker at desire of husband, to obtain
through this channel information which his sister, Mrs. Enos Bloodgood,
may have acquired from B. L. Majendie of financial affairs in general
and particularly Atlantic Trust. Acquaintance developed into violent
passion for Garraboy by Mrs. Cheever; has met him frequently of late,
twice having been followed to his apartments. Of late, scenes with
husband have been increasing in violence, coupled with mutual
threats—believe rupture possible.
"_Item_: Bills against Mrs. Cheever known to be outstanding include
$13,800 to Sontag & Co., for jewels; $1,200 to Madame Cortin for hats,
etc.; $8,300 to Friegel Bros., robes.
"_Item_: The $100,000 she inherited, stands in her own name, but is
believed to be now reduced to $75,000. Morning after theft of ring,
sold short through Garraboy, her broker, 5,000 shares Union Pacific.
For further details, see Garraboy.
"Charming little domestic circle, eh?" said McKenna, laying down the
sheet. "Now for another:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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