confident of me, and then I am so much younger too, that I felt greatly honored to be entrusted with such a mission. My compassion and admiration were both so much excited that I forgot to answer until she looked up at me imploringly, and I could see the tears were fast coming into her eyes. 'I promise it solemnly,' said I, and immediately bade her good night, for I knew she must prefer to be left alone then. She is a prize, James. The next day I received a letter from her in which she disclosed her plans. She said that if you persisted in your present course every consideration of duty must prompt I.er to break the engagement existing between you. 'But,' said she, 'if you, can only induce him to reform, and he should refrain entirely from his old habits one year, I will see him again at the end of that time.'"
"Then she refuses to see me, she despises me. Oh Mary! Mary!"
"Why, James, you are beside youself, how can you say that in truth? How could you ask her to become your wife when your love of strong drink is greater than your love for her. Certainly you would not have her so degrade herself or be so false to all sense of self respect as to marry under such circumstances. Only think of the life of misery she must lead. Look at your father, and see what your mother has suffered. If he had been in that habit when they were married and she knew it, do you think she would ever have forgiven herself? It is bad enough when it cannot be helped."
"She might let me see her again. At any rate, I will see her."
