ART. 45] ANTE-NUPTIAL DEBTS OF WIFE——LEASES. 1279

an agent or attorney to relinquish the same by a power of
attorney executed jointly with his wife or by himself without
the joinder of his wife.

1888, art. 45, sec. 2. 1860, art. 45, sec. 2. 1872, ch. 270. 1896, ch. 243.

1898, ch 457, sec. 13.

13t Where any married man or married woman is a lunatic
or insane, and has been so found upon inquisition and the
said finding remains in force, or where any married man or
married woman has been absent or unheard of for seven years,
the husband or wife of such lunatic or insane or absent person
may grant and convey by his or her separate deed, whether
the same be absolute or by way of lease or mortgage, as fully
as if he or she were unmarried, any real estate which he or she
may have acquired since the finding of such inquisition or
since the beginning of such absence.

Ibid. sec. 17. 1880, ch. 253 1898, ch. 457, sec. 14.

14. No husband shall be liable in any manner for any debts
of his wife contracted or for any claims or demands of any
kind against her arising prior to marriage, but she and her
property shall remain liable therefor in the same manner as
if the marriage had not taken place.

Davis, ex'rv Carroll, 71 Md. 571.

Ibid. sec. 18. 1880, ch. 253. 1898, ch. 457, sec. 15.

15. Proceedings at law or in equity, according to the nature
of such debts, claims or demands may be taken against such
married women, notwithstanding her coverture in her married
name, joining her husband therein as defendant; but no judg-
ment or decree shall pass against the husband or his estate,
but such judgment or decree shall be passed against the wife
only; and it shall operate only upon her estate held and owned
by her prior or subsequent to said marriage.

Ibid. sec. 19. 1880, ch. 253. 1898, ch. 457, sec. 16.

16. Any married woman against whom any proceeding may
be taken under the two preceding sections shall have power to
appoint an attorney at law to act for her in such proceeding.

Ibid. sec. 14. 1898, ch. 457, sec. 17. 1867, ch. 223. 1900, ch 135.

17. In all cases where leases for a definite term, or for a
term of years, renewable forever, have been or may hereafter
be made to a married woman, and the rent therein stipulated