For John's Sake, and Other Stories.

Author of That Boy Mick, Go Work, The Opposite House, &c.
LONDON: WESLEYAN METHODIST SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION 2 AND 3 LUDGATE CIRCUS BUILDINGS; 2 CASTLE STREET, CITY ROAD, E.C.
IT is probable that many of these pages may be read with the comforting conviction that the scenes they depict and the lives they lightly sketch, in no way come within the range of possibility; but to any reader so little acquainted with the snares and perils, the misery and degradation that lay outside the pale of Total Abstinence, the assurance is tendered that the darkest pictures contained in this collection of stories are minutely faithful to life, and that the saddest incidents related have occurred under the personal observation, or within the knowledge of the writer.
A. F. P.

SAY, John.
Well, Ruthie.
Master's just rung, and he says he wants you and me to come upstairs together.
What for, I wonder! Don't look so troubled, little woman; and John, the well-built, broad-shouldered gardener, looked up with an unmistakable glance of affection at the somewhat clouded face of Ruth, the trim, neat parlour-maid, who had come into the conservatory to bring him the message from the dining-room. I'll just wash my hands and be ready in a minute, he continued, following her into the kitchen. With much inward trepidation, Ruth, accompanied by John, entered the dining-room a few minutes later.
Mr. and Mrs. Groombridge, their eldest son, who was a medical student; three daughters, and one or two younger boys were seated at the nearly finished dessert.
Well, John, I dare say you wonder why we sent for you and Ruth; but the fact is, your mistress heard from cook this morning a piece of news which you have been sly enough to keep from us, said Mr. Groombridge. Ruth blushed violently, and withdrew a little behind John's burly figure.
There's nothing to be ashamed of, Ruth; indeed, you've every reason to be proud and happy, added Mr. Groombridge, with a kind look and kinder tone. There was no mistaking the assent that was visible in Ruth's shy uplifted eyes. She was proud and happy, and she involuntarily moved a step nearer to John.