Tall Heiress Divorces Short Hubby

1920

Objects to Mate Because of His Low Altitude

LOS ANGELES, Cal., Jan. 1. — Mrs. Ellen Van Trees, heiress, is alleged to have objected to Eugene M. Van Trees, her husband and likewise heir to a fortune, because her 5 feet 9 inches of slender beauty did not "match well" With 5 feet 4 inches of dapperness.

They quarreled over Van Trees' lack of height until he left, and she sued for divorce, claiming desertion.

Attorney Wilder, for Van Trees, produced a letter which the wife had received from her mother. The letter reads in part:

"Don't let his size worry you. My mother was a beautiful woman and taller than my father. It made no difference. Live with him and be happy. Help him. It is your duty. Put his estate in both your names and don't let others meddle in your affairs. Every one will be nice to you when you have money, but without it the world is cold. You know that, dear."

Judge Crail granted the divorce, remarking:

"They appear to be fairly nice folks. But it's evident they can't live together, so I'll give her a decree of divorce and an allowance of $1,200 a year."