The Resurrection and the Life

488 • IMPROVEMENT ERA. ing, "do you think I could pledge a pure and eternal happiness in a cup of wine?" He arose as he spoke, and hurried into the hall. She followed him, her glass still in her hand, and the fire of determination in her cold, blue eyes. "Alec Martin, this is the last time I shall ever ask a favor of you. Will you drink my toast, or will you not?" "No!" The word was like the thin snap of a riding whip. And the girl recoiled as if she had been stricken. The youth was soon in the hall, ready for unceremonious departure. "Don't blame Daisy too much," whispered his old uncle who had been a silent witness to most of the tempting scene; "her mother has never been converted to the gospel. She is a proud, cold woman, who has a good and faithful husband. Be charitable, boy." "She showed me no charity! My father died a drunkard. She should have known of my double agony tonight. But what shall 1 say of the society who introduces such vile temptations to unprotected youth, and fosters such weaknesses in thoughtless girls! Uncle Tom, I am not only very angry but very unhappy!" And the two men passed into the night. The lights still shimmered on the rich dresses in the ballrooms, the men spoke soft words in low, cultured voices, the wine flowed from bottle to glass, and Daisy Moore laughed with bitter glee as she drank her own and her late partner's portion. Salt Lake City, Utah. 3Ipbu0 sato until Jflartfja: "J am t\? ttmrrtttian, ana tl|p lifjp; 1jp tljat bs Iteurtlj in mt, ttjnnntf b? tur? teao, urt slfall Ijr Hup: ana wtyasatwr lituetlf ana bpltruftlj in m sljaU n?u?r at*."