The Bolivar bulletin. [volume] (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.) 1865-1888, 1880-06-24

quiet l changed the babes; their eyes
were the same color, and the features
very much the same style; and, as
both the mothers were very i'll and
there was no fear of them noticing any
difference. Indeed, 1 expected both
the ladies to die, and my cousin did
die after lingering a few days. The
babe l placed in EthePs cradle died,
the same night. In my haste when
changing forgot the necklace around
EthePs neck, but afterwards found it.
My plan was this: l would change
the babes and when about sixteen
years of age / would in some way let
your father know that he was cherish
ing the child of some one, unknown to
him, FAR beneath him socially, and that
I had his own child, who had been
raised in Obscurity, and so long as
lived he should never find her. 1t was
Il terrible revenge, but was mad and
thought not Of the consequence; and
after l had taken the first step it was
too late to withdraw The good and
evil spirit within me were constantly
at war; 1 had no peace of mind, and
the little girl was so sweet and mild in
disposition when she looked at me
there seemed to be one Of reproach.
She was five years old when she, one
day, wandered out of the house and
into the street, without my knowledge.
She was not Obseved bya gentleman,
who was driving at a fearful rate, two
fiery horses, until it was almost too
late. The child was almost under the
horses feet, when he saw her terrible
danger, and pulled them to one side.
However, she did not entirely escape
but was knocked senseless. No sooner
had the accident happened than the
gentleman leaped from the buggy, and
throwing the lines to a man near,
snatched Ethel from the ground. He
soon discovered where she lived and
carried her into the house. Twas very
much shocked and for the time had no
presence Of mind. He had dispatched
a boy for physician, who soon came.
| Ethel remained unconscious for sever
al days, and we despaired of her life.
| However, she rallied at last, but there
was an ugly scar over the left temple,
which the doctor said would vanish
with years. The gentleman was from
California, Mr.. Ben. -, do not
remember his sir name; and l have
lost his address he gave me. He came
often to see Ethel and brought her
sweet-meats and fruit. When he
found she was not my child he wished
to take her and adopt her as his own.
! AT last consented, can scarcely say
why. He took her away, and from
that time 1 know nothing of her"
During this confession Barbara had
to stop at intervals to take nourish-
ment
As for Jennie we can well Judge of
the various thoughts passing through
her her mind. She understood now
why Ethel Norris impressed her 50
strangely. She was so overcome by
Barbara's confession that she could
not for time command any voice to
speak. She, however, soon recovered
herself enough to tell her of Ethel
Norris, and it was very evident she
had found her sister.
Mrs. Pelton seated herself with pen
and pape: when Barbara began, and
had written the confession all down.
Barbara, with great difficulty, signed
her name to it, then closed her eyes
and murmured
"NOw I can die in peace" And
when another day dawned Barbara
DeGenlis was cold in the arms Of
death.
Jennie returned next day to N.
accompanied by Mrs Pelton. On meet
ing Ethel, Jennie without uttering {
word threw her arms around her necl
and wept for joy. Ethel was very
much surprised but highly pleased
that Jennie was so glad to see her al
though they had been separated only
two days. Very soon explanation
was made, the story of Barbara told
the necklace brought in to be com
pared, and over EthePs left temple
dim scar was discovered. Soon Uncl
Ben came, and on being told the Gil
:, cumstances, verified the story by say
,, ing it was really he who had come s
near causing EthePs death, and after
ward adopted her. We can onl
imagine the happiness and JOY was i
the hearts of Jennie and Ethel, an
how happy were those to who1
tie two were so dear.
- Uncle Ben and Ethel spent tn
7 Summer with the Vernons, and in til
Fall Mr.. Harvey Norris claimed tn
prize he so much deserved; and wit
8 bride, who was none other than Jer
Q ME, accompanied them TO Californi
and to remain six months whe
e some one was to come and clair
Ethel for his bride; and the two $;
ters whose earthly happiness SCENE