“Yes, I have given up red liquor altogether. The habit got a pretty strong hold on me and I was going down hill at a very rapid pace; indeed, I had quite given up any hope of ever being anything but a hard drinker. Scarcely had I reconciled myself to that belief, than a whim, a caprice, an impulse, or whatever you may call it, took hold of me and said, ‘No more liquor, J. Arthur Boast; not another drop,’ and from that day to this I have not tasted the abominable stuff.”
Vance assured him he was glad to hear of the reformation.
“I am in love; desperately so,’.rdquo; said Boast.
“In love?” repeated Vance.
“Yes, I am in love with my cousin, Bertha Allen, and she reciprocates my own tender affection. On her account, if not for my own, I am indeed glad the red liquor craze has been overcome, and that reminds me of the object of my visit.
“Bertha is such a stickler on formalities and so sensitive that I have had hard work to convince her our marriage should take place so soon after her mother’s death. Our arrangements were made to be married the day after to-morrow. Her step-father’s death, of course, complicated matters a little, and she thought we ought to postpone the affair. As usual, however,” continued Boast, “I have convinced her that she is wrong and I am right, and have finally gained her consent, on one condition, that you and Miss Louise will favor us with your presence and act as groomsman and bridesmaid.”
Vance was non-plussed at Boast’s remarks, and for a moment did not know what to say.