In the heat of their altercation the lads had raised their voices to a high pitch, and he, happening to be at no great distance, and hastening to the spot to learn the cause of the disturbance, had come upon them in time to hear the last sentence uttered by each, and had taken in the whole situation at a glance.
He went directly to his daughter's dressing-room, and sent for Violet to join them there.
Both ladies were greatly distressed by the tale he had to tell.
"Oh," sobbed Violet, "it will break my husband's heart to learn that his only son has taken to such evil courses! And to think that it was a relative of our own who led him into it!" "Yes," sighed Mr.Dinsmore, "I blame myself for not being more watchful; though I had no idea that Ralph had acquired such vices." "I cannot have you blame yourself, papa," Elsie said, with tender look and tone, "I am sure it was no fault of yours.

And I cannot believe the dear boy has become a confirmed swearer or gambler in so short a time.

He is a warm-hearted fellow, and has a tender conscience.

We will hope by divine aid to reclaim him speedily." "Dear mamma, thank you!" exclaimed Violet, smiling through her tears.
"What you say of Max is quite true, and I have no doubt that he is at this very moment greatly distressed because of his sin." "I trust it may be so," said Mr.Dinsmore.

"But now the question is, what is to be done with him?
I wish his father were here to prescribe the course to be taken." "Oh, he has already done so!" cried Violet, bursting into tears again.