The notorious miser owned vast farmlands, dairy herds, and granaries. Having become gravely ill, he lay in bed with an exceedingly high fever. Eventually his frightened wife sent for the doctor.
"I'm sorry, Madam," said the doctor after examining the patient, "but your husband has no chance. All I can suggest now is prayer."
With his last ounce of strength, the husband raises his head from the pillow and weakly implores his wife to go top church, make a contribution, and pray that his life be spared. Accordingly she took up this errand, donated fifty dollars, and prayed fervently and tearfully.
As though in response, the miser miraculously became well. Upon learning that his wife had given fifty dollars, however, he was overcome with rage.
"But you yourself told me to give the money," his wife reminded him.
"What?" he roared, "Couldn't you see I was delirious ..."