ild's
coral lips, and then watched the little feet trip down the road beside
the servant.

The hours, brimful of frolic and merriment, passed all too quickly for
the happy children, and at eight o'clock they gathered in the
dining-room for the early supper. The long table was covered with
luxuries, and beside each child's plate was a small glass of wine.

"Now, dear children, make yourselves quite at home, and ask for anything
you want," said the hostess, as her little guests took their places.

"May I have a glass of water, please?" asked an eight-year-old boy,
soon after supper had commenced, pushing his glass of wine aside.

"Oh, my dear Charlie, I am sure you will like a glass of wine much
better. Gentlemen always take wine, you know," replied the lady.

"I mus'n't take wine, please, because I belong to the Young Abstainers'
Union," replied Charlie.

"Why, whatever kind of a Union is that, my boy?" asked the host.

"It means that those who join it have promised never to touch wine or
anything of the kind."

"Stuff and nonsense! You'll never be a man unless you can drink a glass
of wine with your friends."

Charlie coloured, but pushed his glass further away.

"Never mind, dear! our little friend's whims must not be interfered
with. He will learn better when he is older," said the hostess, ordering
a glass of water to take the place of the wine.

Elsie sat next to Charlie, and turning to her the host said:

"Now, Miss Elsie, you don't look as if you belonged to this army of
youthful abstainers. Let us see how you can drink your wine; then you
shall have the glass that Charlie despises."

Nothing loth, Elsie obeyed. She had never been allowed more than a sip
or two from her father's glass, and it was many months since even that
quantity had passed her lips. What wonder, then, that when supper was
ended, and she tried to leave her seat, she should stumble and fall to
the ground, overcome by her unwonted indulgence in the stimulant.

"Poor little Elsie! let me help you up," cried Charlie; but Elsie lay at
his feet, and kicked and screamed in unaccountable anger. When at last
she was picked up, her cheeks were purple with passion, and her eyes
gleamed with a strange, wild light.

"The excitement has been too much for her, I suppose; but I am quite
surprised at such a display of temper. She has always seemed so sweet
and gentle," and the hostess hurried Elsie away to the waiting nurse.

"Miss Elsie, Mis