"After a while she broke down utterly, and confessed that she was the most miserable woman living.
"'I did love my husband, and I do love my children; but I can't do without what I take, and it's of no use. I have tried, and tried, and tried; but it's of no use.'
"Oh, how hopelessly she wept! And I wept with her.
"'Why do you come to me?' she asked at last, looking suspiciously at me.
"'Because I grieve for you; because I have heard of your little baby without a mother's love, and I want you to begin a new life.'
"She looked at me wonderingly. 'Heard of my baby? Where is he?'
"'Where you will never see him again if you do not give up drink.'
"She bowed her head down on the table. 'I can't give it up,' she breathed, despair written on her face.
"'Are you willing to give it up?'
"'I am to-day—now, while you are talking to me; but to-morrow, or presently, when you are gone, the thirst will come on, and I shall go to it again; yes, I know I shall.'