of being tempted. Do listen
to me now, and be persuaded."

"Really, Ruth, that is too much to expect. It isn't manly to be bound by
a pledge, and it makes a fellow look as if he hadn't any pluck or
self-confidence to be afraid of a glass. Why, I believe Dick would have
nothing to do with me if I took your advice."

"So much the better, then," was the decided answer; "Dick will be your
ruin if you depend on him. Do give him up and go out by yourself. Master
would give you testimonials to his friends in Melbourne, and you could
be quite independent of your brother."

"I'm not going to depend on Dick; I've got myself to look to. All I want
from Dick is a start, and I'll take care he doesn't lead me into harm's
way. If not for my own sake, for yours, Ruthie, dear, I will be
careful."

It was hard for Ruth to utter her determination after John's tender
words; but the bitter past had been too vividly before her all the
morning to allow her to falter in her purpose for more than a passing
moment.

"John," she said, "I've quite made up my mind that I cannot follow you
to Australia unless you take the pledge first, or at least promise that
you will not take intoxicants; for, unless you do so, I know that with
the many temptations you will meet, especially if you persist in going
with Dick, that all hope of a happy home will be at an end, and I will
never risk passing through what I once did."

"What on earth are you saying, Ruth? Why, you've promised and can't
break your word. I'm going for your sake, and here you say you won't
come out to me," cried John, scarce believing his ears.

"No, John, I can't, unless you promise what I wish. When I passed my
word to you I didn't know what I know now, and I'm quite justified in
recalling my promise."

"You're a cruel, hard-hearted girl, and I don't believe you care a straw
for me, or you wouldn't make a hindrance out of such a paltry thing. I
only made a slip yesterday evening, and I vow it shall be for the last
time."

Deeply pained, Ruth only shook her head.

"So you won't believe me! Well, I'll promise no such thing as you ask. I
won't be tied to any woman's apron strings," and in extreme irritation,
John flung himself out of the kitchen.

"This is too hard!" exclaimed Ruth despairingly. Poor girl! the only
earthly brightness that had ever come to her was soon quenched in gloom,
and she knew nothing of the comfort and peace which faith in the
protection and love of a