CHAPTER XIII.
"Evil communications corrupt good manners." -- 1 _Cor._ 15:33.
The one drawback upon Max's perfect enjoyment of his new home was the lack of a companion of his own age and sex; the only boys in the family connection, or among the near neighbors, were nearly grown to manhood or very little fellows.
Therefore, when Ralph Conly came home for the Christmas holidays, and though four years older than himself, at once admitted him to a footing of intimacy, Max was both pleased and flattered.
Ralph's manner, to be sure, was more condescending than was altogether agreeable, but that seemed not inexcusable, considering his superiority in years and knowledge of the world.
At Ion, Max played the part of host, taking Ralph up to his own bedroom to show him his books and other treasures, to the boys' work-room, out to the stables to see the horses, and about the grounds.
To-day, at Roselands, it was Ralph's turn to entertain.

He soon drew Max away from the company in the parlors, showed him the horses and dogs, then invited him to take a walk.
It was near dinner time when they returned.

After dinner he took him to his room, and producing a pack of cards, invited him to play.
"Cards!" exclaimed Max.

"I don't know anything about playing with them, and don't want to." "Why not?
are you too pious ?" Ralph asked with a sneer, tumbling them out in a heap upon the table.
"I've always been taught that men gamble with cards, and that gambling is very wicked and disgraceful, quite as bad as getting drunk." "Pooh! you're a muff!" "I'd rather be a muff than a gambler, any day," returned Max with spirit.
"Pshaw! 'tisn't gambling, unless you play for money, and I haven't asked you to do that, and don't propose to.

Come now, take a hand," urged Ralph persuasively.