Page:Women of distinction.djvu/359

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WOMEN OF DISTINCTION.
285

and wax flowers will be shown at your request, and the calls of a number of music pupils will evidence that she has a name as a musician.

From what has been said one might suppose that the subject of our sketch was so engrossed with her professional and other duties that there was no time for the exercise of the tender passion, but not so; she possesses a woman's heart which, like the lyre, answered to the gentle touch of James H. Bowser, Esq., a former schoolmate, a native of Richmond, scholarly, refined and worthy. Her industry, versatility and good sense, as witnessed by him on various occasions, commended her more highly than all the praises of her friends. Having taught school with marked success seven years, the knot which made them one was tied in the simplest possible style. Ostentation, so objectionable to them, was not indulged on this occasion, not because of inability (for they were both possessed of considerable means), but because their good judgment dictated otherwise. Though a happy one, their married life was short. Scarcely two years had passed before he was called to his reward, beloved by his friends and respected and honored by all who knew him for his bright intellect, sterling good qualities and Christian character.

I need not say that Mrs. Bowser was given up with reluctance when her resignation was handed in to the School Board. The following testimonial from her former teacher is, perhaps, not out of place at this point:

Mrs. Rosa D. Bowser graduated with honor from the Normal School while it was under my charge, and then, with others, was a member of an "ex-senior" class, and pursued more advanced studies for one