"Seems to me you are beginning early to teach her your peculiar views," said the gentleman, half-laughing, half-sneering. At least, it was as near a sneer as the gentleman in Mr. Granger would allow. "It so happens that I was not the teacher," responded his wife; "it was an object lesson. She saw young Morgan and his friend pass." "And, papa, they acted just awful! I wouldn't have you act that way for anything." "Don't be afraid. Fred Morgan drinks a great deal and I only drink a little. That's the difference." Alice was still quite a time. Then, as her father drained his glass, she asked suddenly, "Papa, how much is a great deal of wine?" "How much? O, I don't know," replied Mr. Granger carelessly. "I wish you _did know_." And now the voice was very anxious. "Why do you wish that?" "Why, don't you see you might make a mistake and drink too much. But if I can find out _I'll_ keep watch and tell you, so you need not be afraid of being like Fred Morgan." Mr. Granger rose from the table laughing, and betook himself to the library; but the last words of his little golden-haired daughter had struck home to his heart. He, Thomas Granger, like Fred Morgan! Why, Fred was a reeling drunkard. He, Thomas Granger, needing to be watched by his little daughter, lest he make a mistake and take too much wine! Could there be truth in the suggestion? Was he in danger? Of course not. It was a child's foolish prattle. But foolish or not, the thought staid with him, and, sneer as he might, it would not be put down. Was this the wise Heavenly Father's way of answering that sad-hearted wife's prayer that her husband might be brought to see his danger? There was no wine served at dinner the next day. The glittering decanters, and the bottles with the age mark of which Mr. Granger had been so proud, and the cutglass wine glasses had all disappeared. No need now for Alice to watch! Her father had left forever the dangerous path, and had resolved never again to lift the wineglass to his lips. FAYE HUNTINGTON. [Illustration: LITTLE ALICE AND HER FAVORITE DOLL.] _Volume 13, Number 32._ Copyright, 1886, by D. LOTHROP & CO. _June 12, 1886._ THE PANSY. [Illustration: LITTLE SATE IN THE CHOIR.] REACHING OUT. (_A further Account of Nettie Decker and her Friends._) BY PANSY. CHAPTER VIII.