The Empire County argus., 1855-06-16

SHE CHANGED HER MIND There are some per-
sons who are never sick without thinking them
selves 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 oc-
caslon, being visited with fever, the consequence
OF Imprudent exposure she gave herself up to the
melancholy fancies which usually assailed her. and
persuaded herself that she was going to die
In consequence of this melancholy presentiment,
she assumed so woe begone an appearance that
even her medical attendant was startled into belev-
ing that she was really much worse than from her
sym ptoms 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 yet time to do so.
| Mrs. Haskins was an afectionate mother and
the thought of parting from the children to whom
she was so warmly attached, at time when, more
than at any other they needed mothers care,
was peculiarly distressing.
"Iher father will be kind to them no doubt and
see that they are amply provided for, but nothing
that he can do will supply to them tie loss of a
mother"
Gradually the idea of step mother suggested
itself to the lady's imagination, and such was her
for the happiness of her children that she be-
came reconciled TO an idea so repugnant to most
wives and actually began to consider who among
her acquaintance was best fitted to become Sec
ond Mrs. Haskins
At length her choice fell upon a Miss Parker, an
intimate friend of her own Feeling anxious to
have this matter satisfactorily settled, She despatch.
ed messenger post haste for Miss Parker who af-
ter brief interval, made her appearance at her
| friends bed side.
"My dear friend" said Mrs. Haskins, in feeble
voice, u have sent for you for what perhaps YOU
will consider a singular reason But believe me- it
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 it must be so. The situation in which shall
leave my poor boys, who will thus be deprived of a
mothers care, distresses me beyond measure. There
is only one way in which my anxiety can be relev-
ed, and that it is which has pompted me to send
Tor you. Promise me that when | am gone you
will marry Mr. Haskins and be to them a second
mother DO not refuse me; it is my last request y
Desirous of comforting her friend, Miss Parker
assented to her request, adding:
81 will comply with your request, and the more
willingly, for | always liked Mr. Haskins
"AlacaY liked DR.. HaSkias ~ exclaimed his dying
wife, raising herself on her elbow, her feelings Of
conjugal jealousy for moment overpowerng her
maternal affection, ''you always liked my husband
did you! Then VOW you never shall marry him
if have to live to prevent it,
And Mrs. Haskins did live The revulsion ot
feeling resulting from Miss Parkers unexpected
declaration accomplished in her case, what the skill
of physicians had been unable to effect
There is an old saying which, like most old say
ings has in it little truth that when a woman
Wills she WILL depend ont; and when she won't
she won't, and there's an end ont So it was in
the case of Mrs. Haskins. She has determined
that if Mr. Haskns ever does have a second wife it
shall not be Miss Parker.