On this particular afternoon they had taken possession of a summer-house in a retired part of the grounds, and were deep in play.

Ralph at first let Max win, the stakes being small; then raising them higher, he won again and again, till he had stripped Max of all his pocket money and his watch.

Max felt himself ruined, and broke out in passionate exclamations of grief and despair, coupled with accusations of cheating, which were, indeed, well founded.

Ralph grew furious and swore horrible oaths, and Max answered with a repetition of his accusation, concluding with an oath, the first he had uttered since his father’s serious talk with him on the exceeding sinfulness and black ingratitude of profanity.

All that had passed then, the passages of Scripture telling of the punishment of the swearer under the Levitical law, flashed back upon him as the words left his lips, and covering his face with his hands he groaned in anguish of spirit at thought of his fearful sin.

Then Mr. Dinsmore’s voice, speaking in sternest accents, startled them both.  “Ralph, is this the kind of boy you are? a gambler and profane swearer?  And you, too, Max?  Do you mean to break your poor father’s heart and some day bring down his gray hairs with sorrow to the grave?  Go at once to your room, sir.  And you, Ralph, return immediately to Roselands.  I cannot expose my grandchildren to the corrupting influence of such a character as yours.”

The mandate was obeyed promptly and in silence by both, Ralph not daring to gather up his plunder, or even his cards from the table where they lay.

Mr. Dinsmore took possession of both, and followed Max to the house.  In the heat of their altercation the lads had raised their voices to a high pitch, and he, happening to be at no great distance, and hastening to the spot to learn the cause of the disturbance, had come upon them in time to hear the last sentence uttered by each, and had taken in the whole situation at a glance.

He went directly to his daughter’s dressing-room, and sent for Violet to join them there.

Both ladies were greatly distressed by the tale he had to tell.

“Oh,” sobbed Violet, “it will break my husband’s heart to learn that his only son has taken to such evil courses!  And to think that it was a relative of our own who led him into it!”

“Yes,” sighed Mr. Dinsmore, “I blame myself for not being more watchful; though I had no idea that Ralph had acquired such vices.”

“I cannot have you blame yourself, papa,” Elsie said, with tender look and tone, “I am sure it was no fault of yours.  And I cannot believe the dear boy has become a confirmed swearer or gambler in so short a time.  He is a warm-hearted fellow, and has a tender conscience.  We will hope by divine aid to reclaim him speedily.”

“Dear mamma, thank you!” exclaimed Violet, smiling through her tears.  “What you say of Max is quite true, and I have no doubt that he is at this very moment greatly distressed because of his sin.”