"Thank you, I suppose you obtained your information of my future brother-in-law."
"No matter how I got it, but I'm fully prepared to prove that the young lady's principles are severely 'touch not, taste not, handle not.' We have a great work before us, Ned, for they will not easily be persuaded to our opinions I can assure you."
"I do not wish to influence my friends to think just as I do," said Edward, proudly.
"Well, somehow you have managed to make me think as you do, for you know I was once as strict as mother."
"I hope you have not changed your views on my account, Louise."
"No, not exactly, Ned, yet, I must confess, your arguments have had great weight with me."
"I would advise you to reconsider, and think independently," said Edward rather sharply.
Louise was silent, and Mrs. Sherman now seized the opportunity to change the topic to one more intimately connected with their future plans and prospects. In this the attention of the trio was absorbed until towards evening, when they were interrupted by the doctor's well known knock.
The doctor looked pale and worn, and, as he seated himself, Edward remarked, "you look tired doctor."
"Yes, I am tired," replied the doctor, "I am tired of the world, or rather I am tired of the way we are living in it. I have had an aggravated case of delirium tremens on my hands this afternoon, and I wish every liquor seller in Pendleton could have looked in upon that distressed family. A young and interesting wife, and several small children were compelled to witness a scene of suffering, the horrors of which were truly appalling."