In all my previous acquaintance with Mr. Jasper he had told me nothing of his history. I had never made inquiries as I considered it impertinent to pry into the secrets of people and preferred to remain in ignorance unless they chose of their own accord to tell me. I knew him to be a very reserved man, one who had traveled and seen a great deal, read and studied much and was an independent thinker. His theory, was that as he was responsible for his thoughts and deeds of this life and for the life to come, he could not avoid the necessity of being free in all things. He was most courteous in hearing all sides and diligent in reading everything on every subject as an impartial judge, but at the end he formed his own conclusions to which he adhered tenaciously for himself. One day he incidentally referred to his religious life. His parents were devoted Christians and he was brought up in their faith. His mother was the stronger willed of the two. She was of Dutch descent, of a hardy and resolute race. She had an excellent mind, though not well educated. Her good common sense answered in place of education. She exacted implicit respect and obedience from her children. She laid down no rules, but every one knew what she desired and not one dared act contrary to what mother wished. There was no harshness, but a mother’s love shown in all her acts towards her children. She did not lecture them or parley with them, but “it is right my son and must be done,” and it was. She demanded obedience first and afterwards, sometimes, would give her reasons. She seldom made mistakes. Her good judgment so calmly acted upon, impressed all that it was best to do as she directed. One thing indicated her character. She was very particular about the observance of Sunday. On Saturday the boy’s clothes were seen in order, their boots were blacked and they had their baths and the Sunday dinner was prepared as far as possible. On Sunday morning every one in the household, even to the dogs, knew and felt it was a sacred day. All went to church no matter what the weather might be and no Sunday sickness was allowed. After the service came the dinner, not a cold water, dry biscuit affair, but the best dinner of the week, smoking hot roasts, tarts, pies and cream pudding in abundance, just what would please hungry, growing boys and make them love the mother and give them a warm regard for Sunday. After that, books and papers, no novels on that day, with singing and pleasant conversations, the mother the center of the household group; walking in the garden, orchard or fields, but no visiting or making calls, nor did she encourage visitors on Sunday. It was a day of quiet rest at home.