All our cellar of fine old wines was sent round as presents to hospitals, except a little that we keep for sickness." "Well, really!" said Lillie, in a dry, cool tone, "I suppose it was very good of you, perfectly saint-like and all that; but it does seem a great pity.

Why couldn't these people take care of themselves?
I don't see why you should go on denying yourself, just to keep them in the ways of virtue." "Oh, it's no self-denial now! I'm quite used to it," said John, cheerily.

"I am young and strong, and just as well as I can be, and don't need wine; in fact, I never think of it.

The Fergusons, who are with us in the Spindlewood business, took just the same view of it, and did just as we did; and the Wilcoxes joined us; in fact, all the good old families of our set came into it." "Well, couldn't you, just while the Follingsbees are here, do differently ?" "No, Lillie; there's my pledge, you see.

No; it's really impossible." Lillie frowned and looked disconsolate.
"John, I really do think you are selfish; you don't seem to have any consideration for me at all.