cause, right or wrong, and you will always find adherents of the
cause. No, my husband, I would not be alone in doing that man honor.
His praise would be on many lips and many hearts would bless him. I
only wish you were that man! Spencer, if you will consent to take
this lead, I will walk among our guests the queenliest woman, in
heart at least, to be found in any drawing-room this season. I shall
not be without my maids-of-honor, you may be sure, and they will
come from the best families known in our city. Come! say yes, and I
will be prouder of my husband than if he were the victorious general
of a great army."

"No, thank you, my dear," replied Mr. Birtwell, not in the least
moved by his wife's enthusiasm. "I am not a social reformer, nor in
the least inclined that way. As I find things I take them. It is no
fault of mine that some people have no control of their appetites
and passions. Men will abuse almost anything to their own hurt. I
saw as many of our guests over-eat last night as over-drink, and
there will be quite as many headaches to-day from excess of terrapin
and oysters as from excess of wine. It's no use, Margaret.
Intemperance is not to be cured in this way. Men who have a taste
for wine will get it, if not in one place then in another; if not in
a gentleman's dining-room, then in a drinking-saloon, or somewhere
else."

The glow faded from Mrs. Birtwell's face and the light went out of
her eyes. Her voice was husky and choking as she replied:

"One fact does not invalidate another. Because men who have acquired
a taste for wine will have it whether we provide it for them or not,
it is no reason why we should set it before the young whose