e
been indignant. It was only because she found that a little stimulant
revived her, when she was weak and ailing, that she began to take it
frequently, till by and bye the habit became so strong, that though she
tried hard to break it she could not, and why should I be stronger than
my own mother?"

"Well, darling, have it your own way. I shall not alter my opinion of
you; but I won't argue the point. Now, dry your eyes, and be happy;" and
being an obedient woman, Ruth dismissed her tears, and smiled up at
John.

"Ruth," said John presently; "how is it that you are afraid for
yourself, and yet not afraid for me?"

"Oh, John, I couldn't be; I trust you entirely, and though you know how
much I would like you to become an abstainer too, not a thought of
danger crosses my mind when you refuse."

"I should be sorry and hurt if you felt otherwise, my dear, and you may
continue to trust me. I could never disgrace myself and bring more
sorrow to you," and John took Ruth's hand, and held his head up proudly,
and looked every inch of him a man worthy of a woman's trust and
devotion.

[Illustration]

CHAPTER II.

JOHN'S BROTHER.

"RUTH, I'm going to spend the evening at home; my brother Dick's just
returned from Australia, and mother's sent up for me to see him. You'll
come with me, of course," said John, a few evenings after.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, I can't even ask to be spared. It's Jane's evening
out, and we've got company, and there's hot supper ordered."

"What a nuisance! Ask Jane to give up for once; you're always obliging
her."

"No, I can't do that, John, for cook is not best pleased, and Jane
doesn't go the way to manage her."

"I'll go and give cook the length of my tongue, I declare," said John,
angrily.

"Now you'll do nothing of the sort. You'll go and spend the evening with
your brother, and give him my kind regards, and be sure and bring me
back all the news." So saying, Ruth gave John a bright decided nod, and
whisked back into the kitchen.

"What do you think of that, cook? the unreasonableness of men!"

"What's up now?" asked cook, who was bending with a gloomy face over
preparations for an elaborate supper.

"Why, John wanted me to go home with him to-night, and didn't see why I
couldn't, though I told him how busy we should be."

"It's quite enough to have one of you gadding out and filling my hands
with your work," growled cook.

"Yes, it's too bad, but we'll manage well