SHE DECIDED TO LIVE ON.

Wairoa Bell, Volume V, Issue 175, 9 December 1892, Page 7

SHE DECIDED TO LIVE ON.

A very remarkable case of 4 mind-cure ’ is recorded as having happened at a farming village in Berkshire. The patient was an elderly widow, a Mrs Norton, who had been her husband’s second wife. She was now to all appearance nearing her end, and sent in some haste for a lawyer. He hurried to the house, where he found a chair and table waiting for him at his client’s bedside. She wished him to draw up her will. He wrote the formal introductory phrases. 4 First of all,’ she began, in a faint voice, 4 I want to give the faim to my sous, Harry and James. Just put that down,’ 4 Bat,’ said the lawyer 4 you can’t do that, Mrs Norton ; the farm isn’t yours to give away, ’

4 The farm isn’t mine !’ she broke out, in a voice decidedly stronger than before. 4 No, ma’am,’ answered the lawyer, you have only a life interest in it.’ 4 This farm, that I’ve run for goin’ on twenty-seven years, isn’t mine to do what I please with ? Why not r I’d like to know what you mean !’ 4 Wiiy, your husband gave you a life interest in all his property, and at your death the farm goes to his son John, and your children will get the houses you have in the High street.’ 4 And when I die John Norton is to have this house and farm whether I will or no?’ 4 Just so.’ 4 Then I ain’t going to die,’ said the old woman, in a ringing voice ; and with that she threw her feet over the front of the bed, gathered a blanket about her. straightened up her gaunt form, and walked across the room to a chair before the fire. The lawyer packed up his papers and went away. That was fifteen years ago, and the old lady is alive to-day.