In the old town of W----, in the Pine-tree State, lived one of those
unfortunate lords of creation who had, in not a very long life, put on
mourning for three departed wives. But time assuages heart-wounds, as well
as those of the flesh. In due time a fourth was inaugurated mistress of
his heart and house. He was a very prudent man, and suffered nothing to be
wasted. When the new mistress was putting things in order, while cleaning
up the attic she came across a long piece of board, and was about launching
it out of the window, when little Sadie interposed, and said: "Oh! don't,
mamma! _that is the board papa lays out his wives on, and he wants to
save it!_" Nevertheless, _out it went_.