s Elsie, I am ashamed of you; whatever will your ma
say?" expostulated the servant, as Elsie clung to her skirts and refused
to say good-night.

"Papa, what is the matter with the child! I never saw her look so
strange," exclaimed Mrs. Morgan, taking Elsie a few minutes later from
her nurse's arms.

Mr. Morgan sat the child on his knee, and as he did so the fumes of wine
met him.

"She has taken more wine than has been good for her; that is what is the
matter with our little one!"

The horrified mother sank into a chair, but Elsie raised her dimpled
hand and struck at her father, crying in a hoarse unnatural voice:

"I haven't, I haven't, you nasty papa! I didn't have half enough of the
nice wine."

"That is quite sufficient; take her away, nurse, and put her to bed. I
will talk to her to-morrow."

"We have made a great mistake, wife, and are reaping the consequences in
seeing our six-year-old child inflamed with the stimulant which we have
banished from our own home," said the father, as the door closed.

Mrs. Morgan wept, and made no reply.

Long and seriously did the parents talk to Elsie on the following day,
who, easily influenced, as what child of her tender years might not be,
listened with tears to the revelation of unknown dangers, and pleaded
that she, like Charlie, might make such a promise as would save her
childish feet from again being ensnared by the betrayer, and in the
following years prove her safeguard and defence.

Mothers, who read this true story, will you not beware of the danger
that threatens your little children, and learn that none are too young
and fair to escape the toils of strong drink, unless guarded by an
intelligent knowledge of the perils that beset them, and a resolve,
early formed, never to touch or handle the treacherous cup?

[Illustration]

ROLAND WEST'S MARK,

AND HOW HE MADE IT.

"TELL nurse to bring the children down, Barnes," said Mrs. West, as a
servant answered a peal of the dining-room bell.

"Yes, ma'am," replied Barnes, and in a few minutes the children made
their appearance. After being introduced to a guest, the elder ones
seated themselves at the table, from which the dessert was not yet
removed.

"Please, mamma, may I have half a glass of sherry?" asked one.

"I should like port better," said a second.

"Will you help them, very carefully, please, papa?" asked the mother.

"I want some, too," said a bright, handsome boy of five,