“What were you saying about Dead Sea apples?” Mr. Elliott repeated his question.

“We were speaking of intemperance,” replied one of the gentlemen.

“O—­h!” in a prolonged and slightly indifferent tone.  Mr. Elliott’s countenance lost some of its radiance.  “And what were you saying about it?”

Common politeness required as much as this, even though the subject was felt to be out of place.

“We were talking with Dr. Angier just now about hereditary drunkenness, or rather the inherited predisposition to that vice—­disease, as the doctor calls it.  This predisposition he says exists in a large number of persons, and is as well defined pathologically, and as certain to become active, under favoring causes, as any other disease.  Alcoholic stimulants are its exciting causes.  Let, said the doctor, a man so predisposed indulge in the use of intoxicating liquors, and he will surely become a drunkard.  There is no more immunity for him, he added, than for the man who with tubercles in his lungs exposes himself to cold, bad air and enervating bodily conditions.  Now, is not this a very serious view to take of the matter?”

“Certainly it is,” replied Mr. Elliott.  “Intemperance is a sad thing, and a most fearful curse.”

He did not look comfortable.  It was to him an untimely intrusion of an unpleasant theme.  “But what in the world set the doctor off on this subject?” he asked, trying to make a diversion.

“Occasions are apt to suggest subjects for conversation,” answered the gentleman.  “One cannot be present at a large social entertainment like this without seeing some things that awaken doubts and questionings.  If it be true, as Dr. Angier says, that the disease of intemperance is as surely transmitted, potentially, as the disease of consumption, and will become active under favoring circumstances, then a drinking festival cannot be given without fearful risk to some of the invited guests.”

“There is always danger of exciting disease where a predisposition exists,” replied Mr. Elliott.  “A man can hardly be expected to make himself acquainted with the pathology of his guests before inviting them to a feast.  If that is to be the rule, the delicate young lady with the seeds of consumption in her system must be left at home for fear she may come with bare arms and a low-necked dress, and expose herself after being heated with dancing to the draught of an open window.  The bilious and dyspeptic must be omitted also, lest by imprudent eating and drinking they make themselves sick.  We cannot regulate these things.  The best we can do is to warn and admonish.  Every individual is responsible for his own moral character, habits and life.  Because some may become the slaves of appetite, shall restraint and limitation be placed on those who make no abuse of liberty?  We must teach men self-control and self-mastery, if we would truly help and save them.  There is some