John.

"We thought you would like to know, John," continued his master, "how
really glad we are that you and Ruth have settled this little affair
between you. You have both been good, faithful servants, and deserve to
be 'happy ever after,' as the story-books say. Now we want to drink to
your health and future happiness, and you must drink with us."

Mr. Groombridge poured out two glasses of wine, and handed them to John
and Ruth.

"Your health and happiness, John and Ruth," he said, draining his own
glass.

"Your health and happiness, John and Ruth," repeated his wife and
children, with their glasses to their lips.

"And when I go in for matrimony, John, may my choice be as wise as
yours," added the eldest son, whose partiality for Ruth was no secret.

"No doubt you would like to choose some one who would be as ready as
Ruth to fly at your beck and call, and think nothing too great a trouble
to do for you, Master Harry," saucily remarked his younger sister Kate,
in an aside.

"Hush, my dear; little girls of sixteen know nothing about such serious
things," gravely responded Harry. Kate tossed her head, and was about to
reply, when John spoke:

"I'm sure, sir," he began, "that Ruth and me owe our best thanks to you
and mistress for your kindness in wishing us well, and if I may be bold
enough to say so, sir, we find it our pleasure as well as our duty, to
try and please so good and kind a master and mistress, and here's to
your health and happiness for many a long day, and the young ladies',
and Mr. Harry's too." And having performed a duty for himself and Ruth,
John tossed off his wine in much the same fashion as his master.

"Come, Ruth, drink your wine," said Mrs. Groombridge, perceiving that
the girl's glass remained untouched.

"Drink it, Ruth," said John in an undertone.

"Come, don't be bashful, Ruth, we are all your friends," said Harry
encouragingly. But Ruth advanced to the table, and with trembling hands
put her full glass down. The rich colour that had dyed her cheeks a few
minutes before had gone, and she was white to the lips, but her voice
was firm as she answered:

"Please, ma'am, I can't drink it."

"Not drink it! Why not, Ruth?"

"Because, ma'am, as soon as I was engaged to John, I signed the pledge,
and determined I would never touch any intoxicating drink again."

Mr. Groombridge raised his eyebrows, and Harry gave a low whistle of
astonishment.

"What a queer fancy! Perhaps you