d as jests, things they held
to be most sacred. They often spoke to Sally and warned her, but her
usual reply was a light laugh, or an assurance that she knew what she
was doing.

Little by little she ceased to think there was anything very wrong in a
young man becoming intoxicated, if he only did it occasionally. Her
attendance at church was not so regular, and in a short time it ceased
altogether, and she looked forward to the sabbath only as a day of
recreation, and one on which she could spend more time with him who was
day by day leading her farther from the path of duty.

Many a friend warned her of her danger, but her whole soul had become so
wrapped up in him, that his very vices appeared as virtues, in her eyes.
Sally had not forgotten her early teachings, and many a night when all
was hushed, the still small voice of conscience whispered, 'Beware,
--Beware,' But she would not listen to it, she had set her heart upon
him, and although she could not but admit he had many faults, yet she
strove to believe that she had the power to wean him from his evil ways.

One night the old couple and their daughter were sat by their cheerful
fire. Tip, as was his wont, smoking his pipe,--the old woman bending
over the oft consulted bible, and Sally with her elbow resting upon the
table and her head leaned upon her hand, gazing at the kitten sleeping
on the hearth, although she saw it note Arthur had failed to keep his
appointment and she was sad in consequence. A loud knock at the door
disturbed them,--Sally hastened to open it, and Arthur in a state of
wild intoxication rushed in. Even Sally shuddered and shrank from his
attempted caresses. Her mother shook her head, and looking upward seemed
to implore help from Him of whose death she had just been
reading:--whilst old Tip rose to his feet, took the pipe from his mouth,
and angrily pointed towards the door.

Drunk as Arthur was, he comprehended his meaning, but advancing towards
him with uncertain gait, he placed a hand upon each shoulder and forced
him back into his seat, uttering a fearful oath.

Sally strove to quiet him, and implored her father to excuse him, at the
same time begging of Arthur to leave the house. The consternation and
excitement of those about him, seemed to add fuel to the fire already
within him, and tearing the bible from the old woman's lap, he hurled it
on the fire. Tip rushed to save it, but Arthur seized the poker and
stood threatening deat