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126 a visit of condolence to a poor woman who had just lost her child; I could not help thinking while gazing on the abject poverty around, that the poor infant might have been congratulated on the early escape from the hardships which appeared its daily portion. My companion tenderly soothed the mother, and told of that other and better world, to which the grave is but the portal; but it was too soon—the truth was admitted, but the consolation was unfelt. An old woman who came in, understood the matter better. "True," said she, "you have lost your child, but you have still got a good and obedient husband." A good, that is, an obedient husband, was also Jenny Dennison's idea of a helpmate; and, allowing for a little obstinacy, there appears no doubt but that Mrs. Hedrigg was perfectly satisfied with her bargain.