"O, very likely," said Edward carelessly. "I have no doubt of it, but this he assured me was unadulterated. Have some, Mr. Hanford?"
"I don't care if I do. It is really very fine," he said, returning the cup, "quite stimulating, but I prefer a little brandy to any other stimulant; it takes right hold."
"You surely don't drink brandy!" exclamed the young wife, anxiously.
"Only a little, occasionally, when I need it to keep the cold out. O never fear, my dear," he continued observing the look of concern upon his wife's countenance. "I'm a good temperance man, but not a teetotaler; that is drawing the reins rather too tight."
Meantime, Edward had offered the driver a drink, but the man shook his head; "No, thank you," said he, "I'd rather not take any."
"Not take any!" said Edward, "why, sir, it will do you good."
"I'm not sick," said the other.
"But you are cold," said Edward, mistaking his modest demeanor for bashfulness.
But the earnest and decided shake of the head by which he refused the second invitation, signified more than words that he was an adherent of the total abstinence principles.
"What a simpleton," said Edward to himself, as the individual by his side shiveringly gathered up the reins and drove on.