's griefs are not so easily
soothed as boyhood's. It is not now a broken kite to mend, or a
bruised finger to bind up, would it were; would that I had not lived
to see this day."

"Why, Edward, what do you mean?"

"I mean, mother, that Miss DeWolf has refused to become my wife, and
all because I would not consent to pledge myself to total abstinence
from all liquors. I would not deceive her and bind myself to pursue a
different course from that which I intend. My habits, I believe, are
generally considered good, and if a woman cannot take me as I am, I
would not ask her to take me at all."

"O Edward, Edward," said Mrs. Sherman beseechingly, "do not let
wounded pride, and self-will, come between you and the woman you
really love, for I do assure you, young ladies like Miss DeWolf are
very rare."

"Were she a thousand times more lovely and interesting, beloved more
she could not be, but, mother, I shall never yield the point, and
admit that I am incapable of controlling my appetite. When it suits me
to take a social glass with a friend, I shall do it; and when I choose
to decline it shall be of my own free will."

"You are a free agent, certainly, Edward, you may pursue the course
you have marked out for yourself, and go through life a moderate
drinker, and young men may point to you as you have to Judge Hastings,
and make your escape an excuse for venturing in the same dangerous
path, and thus go down to a drunkard's grave; or you may yourself
venture to near the precipice, and before you are aware take the
fatal plunge; for drunkenness, like death, generally takes the victim
unawares. In either case your influence must inevitably act upon those
with whom you associate, and you cannot escape the fearful
responsibility. Then judgment day alone will open the records of those
who have been forever ruined through the influence of moderate
drinkers, as well as the confirmed drunkard. The preponderating
influence, however, lies with the moderate drinker; with such men as
Judge Hastings; who, perhaps, have given the subject but little
thought, and who having through a long course of years tampered
without apparent injury, with the intoxicating cup, deem that others
may do as he has done.

"Yes, and so they may, mother, if they choose. Every man must answer
for his own crimes and not for the crimes of others."

"True Edward, and if your neighbor become a drunkard, see to it that
the sin lies not at your door."

Edwa