have not dared even to think of it. If Mrs. Chantrey be falling into
this sin, there is no other course for you to pursue than to banish it
from your table, and, if possible, from your house. It is better for her
to die, if needs be, than to live a drunkard."

"A drunkard!" echoed Mrs. Bolton. "I am sure I never used such a word
about Sophy. I cannot believe it possible that my nephew's wife, a
clergyman's wife, could become a drunkard, like a woman of the lowest
classes! And I cannot understand how you, a clergyman, could seriously
propose so extraordinary a step. Why, there is no danger to me; nobody
could ever suspect me of being fond of wine. I have taken it in
moderation all my life, and I cannot believe it is my duty to give it up
altogether at my age."

"Very possibly it has never been your duty before," answered Mr. Warden,
"and now I urge it, not for your own sake, but for hers. She has fallen
into the snare blindfolded, and you can extricate her, though at some
cost to yourself. I feel persuaded you can induce her to abstain, if you
will do so yourself. You call yourself a Christian--"

"I should think there can be no doubt about that," she interrupted,
indignantly; "the archdeacon never expressed any doubt about it, and
surely I may depend upon his judgment."

"Forgive me," said Mr. Warden. "I ought to have said you are a
Christian, and a Christian is one who follows his Lord's example."

"Who drank wine himself, and blessed it," interposed Mrs. Bolton, in a
tone of triumph.