The Bolivar bulletin. [volume] (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.) 1865-1888, 1880-06-03

IiI''4 Lazy -hiS' 14Sti JCi III oAA NOi4AA
dence, placed her money and property
in her husbands hands. But Mr..
Harper did not prove to be what he
appeared. She had been deceived in
him. In the course of time he be-
came selfish and unkind towards her
child. Mrs. Harper felt that she
could not endure such an unmanly
principle for however kind he was to
her, she could not see her child i'll
treated but she was powerless to do
anything. However, Jennie had her
fathers determination of character, ,and
when a child she was remarkable for
being equal to any emergency. She
was always ready with reply, or
ready for any occasion or under any
circumstances. Mr.. Harper's treat
.ment of Jennie was somewhat of u
mystery to Mrs. Harper, for, towards
his own children he was ever kind and
afectionate, and provided bountifully.
Owing to his peculiar feeling toward
Jennie, she had never. received the
educational advantages her mother 50
much wished her to have; but being
naturally bright and of a studious ma
ture, she at the age of sixteen had ac-
quired thorough knowledge of all the
ordinary branches. and determined,
on account of her her stcp-ftther's um-
Kind treatment, to become Il teacher,
and, in that way provide a way for
herself. For three years she -battled
with the world, and often times wished
she might throw off this mortal coil, !"
and be laid in her last resting place.
Then, thoughts of her mother, would
make her feel that her work on earth
was not yet finished When her
mothers health began to fail, she was
constantly associated with her as COM
panion and nurse. Her step-father
seemed more considerate than hereto
fore, perhaps it was because thoughts
Of loosing his wife, who was ever kind
and gentle, made him remorseful.
Jennie, on being called by her
mother, stepped noiselcssIy into the
room. The invalid put out her enact
ated hand, and Jennie could not re-
press her tears as she took the hand in
hers and gazed affectionately into the
pale face of her mother.
My child" said she, "sit bS me,
while l rest for a short time, and then
I wish to talk to you, for, perhaps the
last time. 7 feel that my hours are
numbered, and there is so much I
wish to say"
As the clock struck nine Mrs. Har-
per opened her eyes and tried to rouse
herself. Jennie, seeing her mother
wished to talk, arose and moved quiet
ly to a, table mere, taking from it a glass
containing some weakened wine, she
came to the bedside, and gently rails
ing her mother, gave her several
-spoonsful; it seemed to renew her
strength. Jennie then sat down to
listen to what she had to say. Her
mother began by saying:
''My child when 1 am gone, my san
dalwood box and contents will fall to
you. The box has been handed down
for three generations and it is a valua-
ble.family relic. One of the articles
it contains is the little necklace, woven
from your grandmother's own silvered
hair. When you were Il babe she had
it made and cIasped it around your
neck. One Of similar pattern was
made for your cousin, Matte Sheldon,
who died when only eight months old.
When your little sister, Ethel, was
born your grandmother placed the
necklace, formerly belonging to Mat
tie, around her neck, saying at the
time: MAY this be your guard
through life, and in years to come
may it teach you to reverence your
grandmother's memory" Our dar-
ling was frail, delicate babe, and on
the night after her birth she left us, to
dwell with the angles. The most re-
markable fact was that the necklace
had disappeared and could not in
any way he accounted for. The old
nurse said she knew nothing about it.
She had called for assistance as soon
as the babe grew worse. This incl
dent will not, of course, have any eff
feet upon your future life, but l wish
ed you to know it and to place high
estimate upon your own necklace, for
it is the only relic Of your grand
mothers in your possession. In the
box you Will also find short sketch
of your fathers life; written by me.
Now bring Eitie and Russell in, [ wish
to see them, also your step-father."
The children,a "a boy Of six and II girl
of eight, were brought in and soon af-
ter Mr.. Harper followed. She talked
kindly and affectionatcly to them all
and then made known her request.
Mr.. Harper with one of his Wife
almost transparent hands in his, Jen
ME the other. They promised the dy
ing woman: Jennie should remain {
| venr and care for the vonnner chill