The little face was very sober and the voice very earnest as Alice replied, "Because it makes men act so dis-gust-ing-ly!" The last word was brought out slowly, as if it were too large for her.
"What do you know about it?" The question was addressed to Alice his daughter, but Mr. Granger looked at his wife.
"Alice had her first temperance lesson to-day," replied Mrs. Granger, "and it has made an impression."
"Seems to me you are beginning early to teach her your peculiar views," said the gentleman, half-laughing, half-sneering. At least, it was as near a sneer as the gentleman in Mr. Granger would allow.
"It so happens that I was not the teacher," responded his wife; "it was an object lesson. She saw young Morgan and his friend pass."
"And, papa, they acted just awful! I wouldn't have you act that way for anything."
"Don't be afraid. Fred Morgan drinks a great deal and I only drink a little. That's the difference."
Alice was still quite a time. Then, as her father drained his glass, she asked suddenly,
"Papa, how much is a great deal of wine?"
"How much? O, I don't know," replied Mr. Granger carelessly.