There was a hesitation in the manner of Haley, and Clara saw it. She knew that all eyes were upon them, and she knew that all had observed her challenge. Her pride was roused, and she could not bear the thought of being refused her first request after marriage. "Take it, James, for my sake, even if you only place it to your lips without tasting it," she said, in a low, hurried whisper. The young husband could not stand this. He took the glass, while the heart of Clara bounded with an exulting throb. Of course, having gone thus far, he had to go through the form of drinking with her. In doing so, he sipped but a few drops. These thrilled on the nerve of taste with a sensation of exquisite pleasure. Involuntarily he placed the glass to his lips again, and took a slight draught. Then a sudden chill passed through his frame as consciousness returned, and he would fain have dashed the glass from him as a poisoning serpent that was preparing to sting him, but for the company that crowded the rooms. From this state he was aroused by the sweet voice of his young wife, saying, in happy tones-- "So it has not poisoned you, James." He smiled an answer, but did not speak. The peculiar expression of that smile, Clara remembered for many years afterwards. "Come! you must empty your glass with me," she said, in a moment after. "See! you have scarcely tasted it yet. Now--" And she raised her glass, and he did the same. When he withdrew his own from his lips, it was empty. "Bravo!"--exclaimed Clara, in a low, triumphant tone. "Now, isn't that delightful wine?" "Yes, very." "Did you ever taste wine before, James?" the bride laughingly said-- "O, yes, many a time. But none so exquisitely flavoured as this." "Long abstinence has sweetened it to your taste." "No doubt." "Clara has been too much for you to-night, Haley," George Manley said, coming up at this moment, and laughing in great glee. "He couldn't refuse me on such an occasion"--the bride gaily responded. "I set my heart on making him drink wine with me on our wedding-night, and I have succeeded." "Are you sure he hasn't poured it slyly upon the floor?" "O, yes! I saw him take every drop. And what is more; he smacked his lips, and said it was exquisitely flavoured." "Here comes the servant again," George said, at this moment. "Come, James! let me fill your glass again. You must drink with me to-night. You've never given me that pleasure yet. Come!--As well be hung for a sheep as a lamb." Thus importuned, Haley held up his glass which George Manley filled to the brim. "Health and happiness!" the young man said, bowing. Haley bowed in return, placed the glass to his lips, and took its contents at a draught. "Bravely done! Why, it seems to go down quite naturally. You were not always a total-abstinence man?" "No, I was not."--While a slight shadow flitted over his face.