Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-07-21
She Changed her Mind.

There are some persons who are never sick with
out thinking themselves very much worse off than
they really are. OF this class was Mrs. Haskins,
young married lady, and the mother of two fine
boys. On one occasion, being visited with fever,
the consequence Of imprudent exposure, she gave
hcrself up to the melancholy fancies which usually
assaed her, and persuaded herself that she was
going TO die
In consequence of this melancholy presentiment,
abe assumed 80 wobegone an appearance that
even her medical attendant was startled into be-
ieving that she was really much worse than from.
her symptoms he had judged her to be.
Under these circumstances he advised her to
make what earthly preparations she had yet to
make, while there WAS time yet to do 80.
Mrs. Haskns was an aifectionate mother, and
the thought of parting from the children, to whom
she was 80 warmly attached, at a time when, more
than any other, they needed her care, was peculi-
arly distressing.
stTher father willbc kind to them, no doubt and
zee that they are amply provided for, but nothing
that he cnn do will supply to them the loss OF
mother
Gradually the idea of step-mother suggested
itself to the lady's Imagination, and such was her
care for the happiness Of her children, that she
became reconced to an idea so repugnant to most
wives, and actually began to consider who among
her acquantances was best fitted to become sec
ord Mira. Haslins.
At length her choice fell upon a Miss Parker,
IN intimate friend of her own Feeling anxious TO
have this matter satisfactorily settled, she de-
spatched messenger post haste for Miss Parker,
who, after brief interval, made her appearance
Mt her friends bedside.
my dear friend" said Mra. IIaskins, in feeble
voice, 81 have sent for you for what perhaps you
viii consider a singular reason But, believe me,
il is mothers anxiety for her children that
prompts me. am very sick, and shall not live
Long. So the doctor tells me, and my own feelings
tell me that II must be 40. The situation in which
shall leave my poor boys, who will thus be de-
prived OF mothers watchful care, distrcsses me
beyond measure. There is only one way in which
my anxiety can @ relieved, and this 1t il which
has prompted me to send for you. Promise me
that when am gone you will marry Mr.. Haskins,
aud be to them second mother. Do not refuse
ne it'll my last request"
Desirous of comforting her friend, Miss Parker
assented TO her request, adding
~ will comply with your request and the more
willingly, for always liked Mr.. Haskins"
/" Al,rdys iked Mr.. Haskins!" exclaimed the
living wife, raising herself on her elbow, her feel
ings OF conjugal jealousy for moment ovcrpower.
ing her maternal Affection you always liked my
husband, did your Then vow you shall never
marry him, if have to live to prevent i'll"
And Mrs Haskins did live. The revulsion Of
feeling resulting from Miss Parkers unexpected
declaration, accomplished, in her case, what the
skill of the physicians had been unable to effect.
There ia an old saying, which, like most of say.
ings has in ID not little truth, that when
wills, she will, depend ont and when she won't
She won't and there's an end ont. So il was in
the case Of Mrs. Hassns. She has determined
that II Mr. Haskns ever does have second wife,
il, shall never be Miss Parker.