The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1900-08-24
THE CRIME OF THE CENTURY.
By RODRIGUEs OTTOLENqUI.
Author of"An artist In Grim, ~ 60.
Eptdcncc," ~ Modern Vfzarri " "
Final Proof" Etc
tCopyright, 1906. by @. p. Putnam,s sen. An
rights rcserved.l
Let me make II NIL clear to yo,, TO

Let me make 1t all clear to you. If
you see Lillian and then visit Perdita,
you would be able to detect the great
likeness that they bear to one anoth-
er, yet were they brought together I
nave no doubt that it would be easy
enough to distinguish them. Yet. as
you see, their pictures are as nearly
alike as two photographs OF one per-
son might be. Lilan's photograph
was taken two years ago, when she
was only IL: hence its extremely youth
ful appearance, though she herself
looks scarccly older now. This other
picture, Perdita's, was taken when
She was also II. This explains the
reason OF the greater resemblance be-
tween the portraits than there ever
Will be between the originals, one Of
the girls being older than the other. I
nave often observed when looking
through an album Of portraits that this
rule holds. There may be many chill
dren In one family all quite different
In features, yet great likeness Is OBJ
servablc among the photographs taken
IN their bnbyhood or childhood. Thus
IT was that the accidental possession
OF photograph of Perdita ut II, with
which could compare that of Lillian
at the same age, led me to the convic-
tion that such resemblance could on
parents. % '"~"'' "Ai'A""''- 90 '''------
"Yet it still seems marvellous. And
to think that that scoundrcl should
have won the affection of both Of my
girls! 1t Is remarkable"
"Why so? Nodded, as they are, so
nearly alike, 1t is not unnatural that
they should admire the same man. But
there Is no time for speculation. l
must act"
what is your plan?"
II have none-that Is to say, I have
not definitely decided upon anything
except the end which I have in view.
The details must be made to conserve
my final purpose, and they must be as
circumstances may demand. All that
can say is that intend to save both
girls from the fatality which hangs
over them. I must now hurry home to
dinner. Tonight my wife and I will
call upon the Van Cortlandts."
"Ah! You nre going there? SO win
7. I will meet you there. My visit to-
night will have a new meaning, a
greater interest for me. A new thought
is in my mind, an idea arising from
the past, where supposed I had laid
1t away forever. Perhaps the old
dream may be revived. 1t may be the
best solution Of the problem Of the fu-
ture. 1t may be that, after all, at the
crisis Of my child's career, may give
her a fathers love and do so withOu!
disturbing her faith in her mother by
unfolding the truth. The past Is bit
ter, and the present hangs heavily up
on my soul; but, my friend, the clouds
may part, and sunshine and happines:
may be mine even at the end Of life
At all events, owe you much. Yol
have brought me to q full recognition
Of the wrong that l have done ant
have shown me the path by which
may make some reparation. Above all
you have taught me that justice ma.
be tempered by charity"
"Justice and charity are twin sis
tiers, colonel" said Mr.. Mitchell, "an'
should go hand in hand through life
Goodby until tonight. trust tina
your hopes may be realized. 1t ma
be best for Perdita. Poor girll Th
next few hours will be hard for her."
The two men grasped each other
hand warmly and at that moment wa
born friendship which never died.
At the Van Cortlandt residence tw
women were seated at the dining table
both silent and each mechanically pa
taking Of tine food set before her, br
so deeply lost In thought as to be ol
Hvious of her surroundings.
The elder woman, Mrs. Van Cor
landt. wore that look of-serenity whic
distinguishes one who has lived an III
evcntful but easy life. If any so
rows had come, they had proved b'
temporary, for in the abodes Of luxul
sorrow Is an unwelcome guest and
soon dismissed. The bitterest tea
that flow from human eyes cause l
abrasions on the lids IL wiped aw;
with fine soft linen. Yet the rich
well as the poor have hearts whit
may be restively dlscontented at time
Mrs. Van Cortlandt was an excelle
specimen Of well preserved woma
hood despite her advancing years ~