Year: 1871

it must be supposed to be meant that
she belonged to either, for she did not.
Whilst she was still living with Mr..
Fair, in the incipiency of her HdisOn
with Crittenden, she visited San Fran
cisco several times, not openly in his
company, but ostensibly putting up
alone at the most stylish hotel, and ere
ating that fitrOre which only woman
of her elegance and beauty could do.
During these visits she occasionally APP
peared at some of the more fashionable
balls and concerts; if at ball, her su-
perb apparel, magnificent form and
beautiful face were the event of the
evening; If at a concert, she was more
observed than the performers. Her
fame was so we'll known that when she
appeared the effect upon her own sex
could only be compared to that produced
by the sudden appearance of the daring
corsair amidst the convoy; such a clos
ing up of ranks and unmasking of bat
teries, in order that husbands might be
more effectually protected. But alas it
was too evident that the aforesaid hus-
bands rather inclined to strike their
colors upon the first appearance of the
enemy.


In point of personal resemblance, if
Lydia Thompson were little taller,
more rounded and fuller in form, had
dark eyes and lashes, greater wealth of
hair, she would bear a striking likeness
to Mrs. Fair when at the zenith of her
charms. Without these changes the fair
Lydia still closely resembles her in man
ner as well as person. l p


Mrs. Fair never appeared to the writer
like a woman who could be capable of
the killing of any man; yet she evil
IDENTIFY was woman of great determina-
ton of character, but of very ca
PRECIOUS mind. 1t seemed impossible
that she could ever cling so closely to
any one as to cause her to commit an
act that would endanger her life and
property, for she was avaricious. Her
liaison with Crittendon was doubtless
the event Of her life-one that proved
in many ways the most hattering to her
vanity as well as the most advantage
GUS pecuniarily, and one that she would
most reluctantly give up. sH


The infatuation of Judge Crittenden
in itself shows that Mrs. Fair was more
than an ordinary woman-that she did
possess some elements of character and
promptings of heart that were good
else she could never have had such an
ascendency of him; for he was man
of great natural goodness of heart, pu-
rity of character, and refinement of
manner. Like a thousand other men
just as good, he made his blunder and
paid his penalty.


The feeling of horror at the deed that
pervaded that community shows the
esteem in which he was held. Possibly
of that entire people there was none
that would not have been suspected
sooner of such weakness than Judge
Orittenden. She had a strong hold upon
him long ere it was generally known to
the public and when known it was but
the wonder of day-the beauty Of the
woman and prominence of the man only
increasing the interest over and above
affairs of similar character of daily oc-
currence amidst what was called the
highest circles.


Mrs. Fair was not received or recog-
nized, of course, by the wives and
mothers of good society, but she was a
queen in that large number that occupy
the neutral ground, as it were, of society,
comprising those who were suspected
too much to be encouraged, but not
enough known to deserve condemnation.