Thus, at the age of twenty-six, abused and exhausted nature gave up
the struggle; and the mother, who had violated the laws of health,
sank to the earth just at the moment when her tenderest and holiest
duties called loudest for performance.

Who, in this brief and imperfect sketch, does not recognise familiar
features? Amanda Beaufort is but one of a class which has far too
many representatives. These are in every town and village, in every
street and neighbourhood. Why do we see so many pale-faced mothers?
Why are our young and lovely females so soon broken down under their
maternal duties? The answer, in far too many cases, may be found in
their early and persevering transgression of the most palpable
physiological laws. The violation of these is ever followed, sooner
or later, in a greater or less degree, by painful consequences.
Sometimes life is spared to the young mother, and she is allowed to
linger on through years of suffering that the heart aches to think
of. Often death terminates early her pains, and her babes are left a
legacy to the cold charities of an unfeeling world. How sad, how
painful the picture! Alas! that it is a true one.






JUST GOING TO DO IT.