"Oh, John, I couldn't be; I trust you entirely, and though you know how much I would like you to become an abstainer too, not a thought of danger crosses my mind when you refuse."
"I should be sorry and hurt if you felt otherwise, my dear, and you may continue to trust me. I could never disgrace myself and bring more sorrow to you," and John took Ruth's hand, and held his head up proudly, and looked every inch of him a man worthy of a woman's trust and devotion.
CHAPTER II.
JOHN'S BROTHER.
UTH, I'm going to spend the evening at home; my brother Dick's just returned from Australia, and mother's sent up for me to see him. You'll come with me, of course," said John, a few evenings after.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, I can't even ask to be spared. It's Jane's evening out, and we've got company, and there's hot supper ordered."