"I wish you did know." And now the voice was very anxious.
"Why do you wish that?"
"Why, don't you see you might make a mistake and drink too much. But if I can find out I'll keep watch and tell you, so you need not be afraid of being like Fred Morgan."
Mr. Granger rose from the table laughing, and betook himself to the library; but the last words of his little golden-haired daughter had struck home to his heart. He, Thomas Granger, like Fred Morgan! Why, Fred was a reeling drunkard. He, Thomas Granger, needing to be watched by his little daughter, lest he make a mistake and take too much wine! Could there be truth in the suggestion? Was he in danger? Of course not. It was a child's foolish prattle. But foolish or not, the thought staid with him, and, sneer as he might, it would not be put down.
Was this the wise Heavenly Father's way of answering that sad-hearted wife's prayer that her husband might be brought to see his danger?
There was no wine served at dinner the next day. The glittering decanters, and the bottles with the age mark of which Mr. Granger had been so proud, and the cutglass wine glasses had all disappeared. No need now for Alice to watch!
Her father had left forever the dangerous path, and had resolved never again to lift the wineglass to his lips.
Faye Huntington.
