Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/189

 dearly loved friend. But the mother blessed with more than two can rarely close her heart to the pitiful solicitations of wives less happy than themselves, to whom is wanting this crowning glory of womanhood. By a curious reversal of conditions, such a mother is now very much in the position of those childless but wealthy persons so frequently referred to in the literature of your period: she is the much-courted possessor of a coveted treasure. Even among the mothers of two children, she occupies a proud position. They have done but their duty: she has done as much, and has besides been able to confer the only greatly coveted gift it is now in human power to bestow.

"I am, at present, looking forward to an event that may make my wife a very proud woman, or me a very wretched man. I have but too much reason to dread as well as to hope. From causes in regard to which there has been much dispute, the fact is but too certain, that motherhood, though a greater glory even than of yore, is also a greater danger. Ulmene, strange to say, looks forward with hope and exultation: it is I, she thinks, need comfort and encouragement. She is right. When I think of what may be, my heart sinks within me; and I wonder whether I shall be able to imitate the quiet endurance of my friend Hulmar.

"By some of the ways in which such matters become known, this anticipated event, though yet fully half a year in the future, has already become the cause of numerous kinswomen offering congratulations, and urging each her claim to consideration. For these applications arrive, not from the absolutely childless only. The