and intimated that I had insulted him but I rebuked him sternly, and told him he had better go home.  I was too much excited to act very wisely.  He took me at my word, and left the house.  There was no sleep for my eyes on that night, Mrs. Eldridge.  The image of that boy going home to his mother at midnight, in such a condition, and made so by my hand haunted me like a rebuking spectre; and I resolved never again to set out a table with liquors to a promiscuous company of young and old, and I have kept that word of promise.  My husband is not willing to have a party unless there is wine with the refreshments, and I would rather forego all entertainments than put temptation in the way of any one.  Your son’s suggestion is admirable.  Have the independence to act upon it, and set an example which many will be glad to follow.  Don’t fear criticism or remark; don’t stop to ask what this one will say or that one think.  The approval of our own consciences is worth far more than the opinions of men.  Is it right?  That is the question to ask; not How will it appear? or What will people say?  There will be a number of parties given to your niece, without doubt; and if you, lead off with coffee instead of wine, all the rest of Fanny’s friends may follow the good example.”

When Mr. Eldridge came home at dinner-time, his wife said to him,—­

“You needn’t order any liquors from Snyder.”

“Why not?” Mr. Eldridge looked at his wife with some surprise.

“I’m going to have coffee, instead of wine, and brandy,” said Mrs. Eldridge, speaking firmly.

“Nonsense!” You’re jesting.”

“No, I’m in earnest.  These liquors are not only expensive, but dangerous things to offer freely in mixed companies.  Many boys get their first taste for drink at fashionable parties, and many reformed men have the old fiery thirst revived by a glass of wine poured out for them in social hospitality.  I am afraid to have my conscience burdened with the responsibility which this involves.”

“There is no question as to the injury that is done by this free pouring out of liquors at our fashionable entertainments.  I’ve long enough seen that,” said Mr. Eldridge; “but she will be a bold lady who ventures to offer a cup of coffee in place of a glass of wine.  You had better think twice on this subject before you act once.”

“I’ve done little else I but think about it for the last two hours, and the more I think about it the more settled my purpose becomes.”

“But what put this thing into your head?” inquired Mr. Eldridge.  “You were in full sail for party this morning, liquor and all; this sudden tacking for a new course is a little surprising.  I’m puzzled.”

“Your son put it into my head,” replied Mrs. Eldridge.

“Henry?  Well, that boy does beat all!” Mr. Eldridge did not speak with disapprobation, but with a tone of pleasure in his voice.  “And so he proposed that we should have coffee instead of wine and brandy?”