“Was that what D. T. meant? I heard Ted whisper something about that.” “It was well,” thought Clement, “that he had grace enough to whisper. Yes, my poor boy, it is only too true. I was sent for to find your father dying of delirium tremens--you just born, your mother nearly dead, the desolation of your sisters unspeakable. He was only thirty-six, and that vice, together with racing, had devoured him and all the property that should have come to his children. I think he tried to repent at the very last, but there was little time, little power, only he put you and your sisters in my charge, and begged me to save you from being like him.” “Did they mean that I was sure to be like that? Like a pointer puppy, pointing.” “They meant it. And, Adrian, it is so far true that there is an inheritance--with some more, with some less--of our forefathers’ nature. Some have tendencies harder to repress than others. But, my dear boy, you know that we all have had a force given us wherewith to repress and conquer those tendencies, and that we can.” “When we were baptized, God the Holy Spirit,” said Adrian, under his breath. “You know it, you can believe now. Your uncle Lance and I prayed that the old nature might be put down, the new raised up. We pray, your mother and sisters have prayed ever since, that so it may be, that you may conquer any evil tendencies that may be in you; but, Adrian, no one can save you from the outside if you do not strive yourself. Now you see why your poor mother has been so anxious to keep all temptation out of your reach.” “But I’m growing a man now. I can’t always go on so.” “No, you can’t. You shall be treated as a man while you are with me. But I do very seriously advise you--nay, I entreat of you, not to begin taking any kind of liquor, for it would incite the taste to grow upon you, till it might become uncontrollable, and be your tyrant. If you have reason to think the pledge would be a protection to you, come to me, or to Uncle Bill.” He was interrupted by Sibby coming in with his cup of tea, and-- “Now, Mr. Clement, whatever have you been after now? Up to your antics the minute Miss Cherry is out of the way. Aye, ye needn’t go to palavering me. I hear it in your breath,” and she darted at the stimulant. “I’ve had some, Sibby, since I came in.” “More reason you should have it now. Get off with you, Sir Adrian, don’t be worriting him. Now, drink that, sir, and don’t speak another word.” He was glad to obey. He wanted to think, in much thankfulness for the present, and in faith and love which brought hope for the future. CHAPTER XV. -- A POOR FOREIGN WIDOW Art thou a magistrate? Then be severe.--GEORGE HERBERT. Early in the day General Mohun received a note from Clement Underwood, begging him to look in at St. Andrew’s Rock as soon as might be convenient.