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Show MARRIED ON HIS DEATH-BED. A curious marriage was that of a minister who, having lived a bachelor for seventy-three years, proposed and was married on his death-bed: The minister had a severe attack of paralysis, which left him so weak and helpless that, feeling his end was not far distant, he proceeded to set his worldly affairs in order. His parish being an exceedingly small one, and having been always a most liberal man, he had not much money to leave, which circumstance, had it not been for one reason, he would not have minded. For the last twenty years he had had as housekeeper a steady, sensible woman, who had served him honestly, tended him like a daughter during his illness, and for whom he had quite a fatherly regard. It was on her account that he mourned his poverty. It would have been a matter for thankfulness could he have left her as much as would have supported her comfortably and respectably in her old age-she was now about forty-five. After weighing and considering the matter for some weeks in every possible light, a way out of the difficulty suddenly flashed upon him; and, knowing the precarious state of his health, he resolved to execute his purpose at once. He called his housekeeper, and when she entered the room, he made her sit down; and after telling her how anxious and sorrowful he had been because he [line unreadable] "Of course you are aware that there is a Ministers' Widows' Fund, so that if the husband dies, his wife will have an annuity during her life. Now, supposing you marry me, although I am almost at death's door, you will be amply provided for in the future. Will you consent to this?" "Master, dear, you must be doting. What would people say!" "I was never more serious in my life, Mary; and I am sure people will say we have both acted wisely in this matter. Take till the evening to think it over, and then bring me your answer." In the evening Mary told him she "would take him." So ten days after they were married, and three days later the good old man died; but his widow still enjoys her share of the "Widows' Fund." |