“But I don’t see how drinking a little wine at a party can teach a lady to be a drunkard, Pa,” remarked Guy.
“It does not do so, my son, in every case. But too often a lady will acquire an appetite for wine, which gradually grows stronger and stronger until she cannot control it. This appetite is not awakened in all who drink, but it may be. Hence, it is better for all, boys, girls, men, and women, not to touch the drink that is in the drunkard’s bowl.”
“So I think, Pa,” said Guy, “and therefore, I mean to be a tee-totaler as long as I live.”
“That’s right, my son. It is always best to keep as far from a dangerous place as possible.”
When Mr. Carlton and Guy reached home, tea was ready, and they went at once to the cheerful table. Jessie could scarcely wait while the blessing was asked, so impatient was she to know if Madge’s mother had been found. As soon, therefore, as Uncle Morris ceased speaking, she broke forth and said:
“O Pa! you don’t know how nice Madge will look when she is washed and dressed. Please tell me if you have seen her mother?”
“No, I have not seen her,” replied her father, smiling.
Jessie’s face brightened. She had been fearing that Madge would have to go away if her mother was found. Looking archly at her father, she said—
“I’m so glad. Now poor Madge can stay here!”
“Why, Jessie, you surprise me,” said Mrs. Carlton. “Is it any thing to be glad about, that a little girl has lost her mother?”