stomachs, reputation and moral nature. We teach temperance--not
intolerance."

But Priscilla had been reared in the shadow of the stanch old
Calvanistic church and the strictest of schools.

"I--cannot see how you dare place such temptation in their way," said
she. "You thereby take their souls in the hollow of your hand and become
responsible----Oh!"--with a shudder of genuine distress and
repugnance--"I knew--I had heard--there was drinking; but I never
supposed it was countenanced, _encouraged_ by--by those who ought to be
their shield against such temptation and trouble." And here Priscilla's
words were oddly reminiscent of the editorial columns of the _Banner of
Light_ and certain other most excellent organs of the Prohibition
element.

"We do it to keep them from vastly worse temptation and trouble,
Priscilla," said the veteran soldier kindly, and signaling Marion not to
interpose. "You are right, dear, in the abstract, but we have to deal
with men as we find them. We would be glad indeed of ideals, but the
ideal doesn't, as a rule, enlist."

"The Bible teaches us it stingeth like an adder," said Priscilla
solemnly, with suggestive glance at Billy, Junior, whom she but
yesterday had rebuked for sipping claret at the colonel's dinner.

"The Bible also tells us Who turned water into wine at a certain
marriage feast," said Uncle Will, his mustache twitching.

Whereat Priscilla flushed; the tears started to her eyes; she arose and
left the table, her soup unfinished. It was one thing to quote the
Scriptures in support of her views; it was quite another to array them
on the other side. When Aunt Marion went to Priscilla's room a little
later, with a tray of tea and comfits and a word of gentle
expostulation, she found her niece in anything but melting mood. To
Priscilla's mind such argument as Uncle Will's was impious. To Aunt
Marion's suggestion that at least it was from like authority with her
own, Priscilla could find no better reply than "That's different."

Down in her heart of hearts Priscilla thought it a grave mistake on part
of somebody that the episode of the marriage of Cana of Galilee had any
place in Holy Writ. Indeed it may be hazarded that, long schooled by the
_Banner_ and the eloquent lessons of her favorite preachers, Priscilla
could have listened with becoming modesty, but no surprise, had it been
suggested that she undertake the preparation of an expurgated edition of
the Word.

At the da