wine would restore the normal taste and free a man from the tyranny
of an enslaving vice."

That sentence took quick hold upon the thought of Mr. Ridley. It
gave him a new idea, and he listened with keen interest to what
followed.

"You strike the keynote of a true temperance reformation, Mr.
Elliott," returned the host. "Give men pure wine instead of the vile
stuff that bears its name, and you will soon get rid of drunkenness.
I have always preached that doctrine."

"And I imagine you are about right," answered Mr. Elliott. "Wine is
one of God's gifts, and must be good. If men abuse it sometimes, it
is nothing more than they do with almost every blessing the Father
of all mercies bestows upon his children. The abuse of a thing is no
argument against its use."

Mrs. Ridley drew upon the arm of her husband. She did not like the
tenor of this conversation, and wanted to get him away. But he was
interested in what the clergyman was saying, and wished to hear what
further he might adduce in favor of the health influence of pure
wine.

"I have always used wine, and a little good brandy too, and am as
free from any inordinate appetite as your most confirmed abstainer;
but then I take especial care to have my liquor pure."

"A thing not easily done," said the clergyman, replying to their
host.