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 beckoned me to follow her into the summer-house at the end of the yard. You know that stands against the side of the house which is not generally occupied, so that nobody could see or hear us. It was towards night when hex father was liable to come home any moment, and I knew by her constant lookout what she was afraid of, and saw where I could cut through the back yard if he did come, so he would not see me. I am almost afraid of that man."

"You needn't be. He'd be glad enough to have you go there, and to see Mary too. He hates me I know, and would hate me if I were as good as you are. Mean rascal, it's he that's made my father drink. I can remember when I was a little boy how he used to get him in there and treat him, and if it had not been for that, I might have been as steady as you are."

"There is no time now to talk about that, or make choice of epithets. Mary asked me if I did not think there was any possibility of making you reform. What to say I did not know. You know how many times I live talked with you, James, to no purpose. After a few minutes pause, I said, 'I shall do all in my power to reclaim him, but I cannot promise you success.' Her eyes brightened as she replied, 'Oh do! If anybody can influence him you can. Will you promise to try once more? I know you are one of James's confidential friends, or I should not have taken the freedom I have,' when her eyes dropped, and the color rushed into her cheeks,—how I pitied her! Modest and retiring as she is, I knew what a desperate struggle it must have cost to make such a