The 1904 trial of Nan Patterson for the murder of gambler Francis Thomas Young caused a frenzy in New York and its newspapers. Patterson, a married member of the Broadway showgirl group the Florodora Girls, was involved in a relationship with Young, who also was married. Patterson and Young were seen constantly around town, at the races, gambling spas, hotels, and restaurants. While Young paid for Patterson's divorce, he was at first unwilling, or unable, to separate from his wife. Young finally initiated divorce proceedings, but his wife convinced him to reconcile. Young's wife was sure that she had to separate Young from Patterson if there was any chance that their marriage could be saved, and she booked tickets on an ocean liner for a trip to Europe.

On 3 June 1904, the day before his ship sailed, Young spent the day with...