"Here's a lady, 'm,' said the untidy servant, announcing me without any warning. "A person rose to greet me who had once been very pretty, and bowing, asked if I wished to speak to her on business. "I said that I had come to see her, if she would allow me. "She looked extremely astonished; and when I sat down by her and took her hand, and told her I knew she was in trouble, she was rather angry. "But I would not be put off; and I explained to her that I knew of her sad history, and felt sure she desired to lead a new and better life. "After a while she broke down utterly, and confessed that she was the most miserable woman living. "'I did love my husband, and I do love my children; but I can't do without what I take, and it's of no use. I have tried, and tried, and tried; but it's of no use.' "Oh, how hopelessly she wept! And I wept with her. "'Why do you come to me?' she asked at last, looking suspiciously at me. "'Because I grieve for you; because I have heard of your little baby without a mother's love, and I want you to begin a new life.' "She looked at me wonderingly. 'Heard of my baby? Where is he?' "'Where you will never see him again if you do not give up drink.' "She bowed her head down on the table. 'I can't give it up,' she breathed, despair written on her face. "'Are you willing to give it up?' "'I am to-day—now, while you are talking to me; but to-morrow, or presently, when you are gone, the thirst will come on, and I shall go to it again; yes, I know I shall.' "'Have you ever heard of the Son of God?' I asked. "'Of course I have.' "'Do you suppose that the devil is stronger than the Son of God?' "'Sometimes I think he is.' "'Then I am sure he is not. Christ is able to save to the uttermost them that come unto God by Him. He can save you even from desiring it again, if you ask Him.' "She looked at me earnestly, and faltered out, 'Say those words again. Able—' "'Able to save to the uttermost.' "Then she sank on her knees by my side, and buried her face in her hands, and sobbed out words of prayer and entreaty. "You may be sure I prayed too; and when she grew silent, and lifted her eyes to mine, I raised her up to sit by me once more. "'Now,' I said, 'will you go for a visit to a nice house I know of at the sea-side, where they will help you to keep your resolve?' "'But my business?' "'You are not of much use in your business now, are you?' "'No,' she said humbly. "'Then leave all that. Your husband will see to it. He will only be too glad. I will come in an hour's time, and put you into the train, and telegraph to them to meet you, and with God's blessing, in three months' time you will be a different woman.' "'And my children?' "'Ask God to bless them, and make you fit to come back to them.' "'I will,' she answered. "Then I rose to go, promising to come back in an hour. "'May I kiss you?' she said, holding my hand and gazing at me. "So I stooped and kissed her.